ISTANBUL, Turkiye: World Economic Forum (WEF) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Børge Brende, resigned on Thursday after reports surfaced that he had exchanged emails and text messages with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, though his resignation letter made no mention of Epstein.
Anadolu Ajansi reported that Forum Co-Chairs, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, in a statement said Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim CEO and president.
Brende, who has led the WEF since 2017, said he made the decision after the United States Justice Department disclosed that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages with him.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My eight and a half years here have been profoundly rewarding.
“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the forum to continue its important work without distractions,” he said.
Brende did not mention Epstein in his statement.
Hoffmann and Fink said that an independent investigation led by external legal counsel into Brende’s links with Epstein has been completed. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
