A High-Profile Exit Shakes Davos Elite (Image Credits: Images.fastcompany.com)
The World Economic Forum encountered renewed upheaval when its top executive stepped down amid scrutiny from Jeffrey Epstein’s unsealed documents.
A High-Profile Exit Shakes Davos Elite
Børge Brende’s departure as president and CEO marked a abrupt turn for the organization after eight years at the helm.
The announcement came in a statement released Thursday, where Brende expressed gratitude for his tenure and cited the need to avoid distractions. Co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink issued their own message on behalf of the Board of Trustees. They praised his leadership during key reforms and a successful Davos meeting. The board’s internal probe cleared him of further issues beyond prior disclosures. Still, the timing aligned closely with the latest Epstein file releases on January 30.
Persistent Contacts Raise Fresh Questions
Documents revealed communications between Brende and Epstein that extended well beyond Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Messages persisted into mid-2019, months before Epstein’s death in custody. One exchange featured Epstein forwarding a letter from his lawyers, published in The New York Times, which downplayed the number of young women in his case. Brende responded with a thumbs-up emoji, as detailed in federal records. Earlier, Brende had told Norwegian media he knew nothing of Epstein’s crimes. The files painted a picture of ongoing ties despite those claims.
WEF Grapples with Serial Leadership Crises
This resignation echoed prior turbulence at the forum. Founder Klaus Schwab relinquished his board chair role in April 2025.
Just a month later, an anonymous letter prompted a board inquiry into allegations of fund misuse and improper remarks toward women. Such events eroded the WEF’s standing as a gathering point for global influencers. Alois Zwinggi, the managing director, now assumes interim duties. The official press release from the World Economic Forum underscored a commitment to continuity amid the changes.
Wider Fallout from Epstein Revelations
Brende joined a growing list of figures facing repercussions from the documents.
- Hollywood agent Casey Wasserman resigned his position.
- Kathryn Ruemmler, former Goldman Sachs general counsel, also stepped away.
- Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, once Prince Andrew, faced arrest over Epstein links.
- Peter Mandelson, the UK’s ambassador to Washington, encountered similar legal action.
Reports from outlets like Fast Company highlighted how business and political leaders increasingly confronted consequences. The pattern underscored vulnerabilities in elite networks exposed by the files.
Key Takeaways
- Epstein files documented post-conviction contacts with Brende through 2019.
- WEF’s internal review found no new issues, yet resignation proceeded.
- Organization now navigates leadership vacuum after Schwab’s prior exit.
As the WEF presses forward under interim guidance, its ability to restore credibility among world leaders remains in question – what steps will shield it from future scandals? Share your views in the comments.