Davos Forum Chief Steps Down After Epstein Ties Surface

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The executive director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), commonly known as the Davos Forum, has resigned following the surfacing of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Børge Brende stepped down from his position after documents revealed arrangements for him to meet Epstein for dinner in New York in 2018 and 2019, according to Bloomberg.

The World Economic Forum announced the conclusion of an investigation into Brende’s ties to Epstein, with co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink stating that the findings revealed “no additional concerns beyond what was previously known.”

Brende stated that he would be stepping down from his position “after careful consideration,” without mentioning Epstein or the investigation. He had held the position for over eight years.

The board of trustees will oversee the leadership transition process, including developing a plan to ensure the selection of a permanent successor. Swiss businessman Alois Zwinggi will take over as interim managing director.

Epstein, who was arrested in the United States in 2019 on sex trafficking charges, died in prison that same year.

Emails obtained by Bloomberg, in addition to Justice Department documents, revealed that Epstein described himself as a “Davos concierge,” despite claiming he “hated” the World Economic Forum held annually in Switzerland.

The emails showed that he offered acquaintances assistance in arranging meetings with billionaires and government officials during the annual meetings in the Swiss Alps, as well as securing better accommodations at a conference typically plagued by hotel room shortages.

A previous review by JP Morgan revealed emails indicating that Epstein coordinated meetings at the 2010 Davos Forum between British officials and JP Morgan CEO Jes Staley.

Bloomberg reported correspondence between Epstein and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. In December 2013, Epstein wrote to Summers regarding coordinating a meeting during the Davos Forum. Meeting minutes later showed that Epstein participated by phone in a session of a presidential advisory board for Mongolia. Summers did not respond to requests for comment, according to the agency.

The resignation adds to a series of issues plaguing the World Economic Forum since last year, following the departure of founder Klaus Schwab amid allegations of financial misconduct and disagreements with the remaining leadership in the organization.