WEF chief Børge Brende resigns to avoid “distractions” over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
GENEVA: The President and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, announced on Thursday, February 26, that he is stepping down following an independent investigation into his past contacts with financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes after the December 2025 release of US Justice Department files detailing Epstein’s global network of high-profile associates.
Brende said he resigned to ensure the organization could continue its work “without distractions.”
WEF chief Børge Brende's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Brende said in a written statement, “after careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning 8-1/2 years, has been profoundly rewarding.”
Recently released Justice Department documents indicated that Brende had three business dinners with Epstein and remained in contact via email and text message after Epstein’s earlier conviction tied to the Epstein crimes.
The documents also show that in March 2019, Epstein forwarded Brende a letter written by his lawyers that had been published in The New York Times, referencing prior allegations and disputing aspects of the case.
Brende responded with a thumbs-up emoji.
WEF's co-chairs, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, said in a statement that the independent review conducted by outside counsel had concluded and did not uncover additional issues beyond previously disclosed meetings and communications.
“The findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed,” they said, adding, “We respect his decision to step down,” and expressing appreciation for his “instrumental” leadership during a “pivotal period of reforms.”
Brende previously told Norway’s public broadcaster that he was “completely unaware of his criminal actions and past,” and that he never would have met Epstein “had I known.”
He has said his interactions were limited to business settings. The WEF earlier this month confirmed it had opened the internal review after the latest file release raised questions about the extent of Brende’s contact with Epstein.
Norway, UK figures impacted by Epstein files
Brende is among several prominent Norwegian figures named in the recent document release.
The disclosures have prompted scrutiny in the Scandinavian country, where political and diplomatic leaders have addressed past contacts with Epstein.
Former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland was charged with “gross corruption” in connection with his ties to Epstein.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly expressed regret for “having had any contact with Epstein” after emails suggested an extended relationship.
Authorities are also investigating former diplomat Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, following reports that they were named in Epstein’s will. Juul has resigned from her diplomatic post.
In Britain, the files have also led to political consequences. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew was arrested over his ties with Epstein. Former British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, was also taken into custody over his ties to the disgraced financies, and several senior officials have stepped down.
