Børge Brende has resigned as president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF) following revelations of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende admitted to having dined with Epstein on three occasions between 2018 and 2019, despite earlier denying any contact.
The Norwegian former foreign minister, who led the WEF for eight years, stepped down after an independent review into his ties with Epstein. The forum confirmed that the review found “no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.” However, newly released documents from the US Department of Justice revealed texts and emails between Brende and Epstein.
Brende claimed he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes, which included a 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In a statement, he said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down… I believe now is the right moment for the forum to continue its important work without distractions.”
His resignation follows a pattern of high-profile figures leaving positions over Epstein links. Earlier this week, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers resigned from teaching at Harvard University, and Hyatt executive chairman Thomas Pritzker stepped down after admitting “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
