Borge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation following weeks of investigations into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, who assumed the role of WEF President in 2017, made the decision after the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that he had attended three work dinners with Epstein and exchanged multiple emails and text messages with him.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My 8.5-year tenure here has been immensely rewarding,” Brende said.
“I am grateful for the exceptional collaboration with colleagues and partners and believe now is the right time for the forum to continue its important work without distractions,” he added.
Brende, who previously served as Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, did not mention the Epstein scandal in his statement.
In a separate announcement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the Geneva-based forum that organizes the annual Davos Summit, stated that an independent review conducted by an external consultant into Brende’s connections with Epstein had concluded.
Alois Zwiggi will serve as interim successor, while the WEF Board of Directors oversees the leadership transition until a permanent replacement is appointed.
