Børge Brende has stepped down as chief executive of the World Economic Forum following an independent investigation into his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. His resignation comes amid renewed scrutiny of public figures named in recently released US Justice Department documents
Børge Brende has resigned as chief executive of the World Economic Forum following an independent investigation into his ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement was made on Thursday and comes amid renewed scrutiny of public figures named in documents released by the US Justice Department in recent weeks.
Brende’s departure follows the publication of a fresh batch of files related to Epstein, which revealed that the former Norwegian foreign minister had allegedly remained in contact with Epstein long after Epstein had been convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution. The documents are part of a broader release detailing Epstein’s efforts to cultivate relationships with decision-makers around the world.
In a statement, the World Economic Forum said: “We respect his decision to step down,” and expressed appreciation for Brende’s “instrumental” leadership during what it described as a “pivotal period of reforms.”
Brende said that after “careful consideration,” he wanted the forum to continue its work “without distractions.” He has led the Geneva-based organisation, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, since 2017.
Brende is among several prominent Norwegians named in the latest document release. The files have prompted renewed examination of past associations between Epstein and political, academic and business leaders across Europe and the United States.
In the United States, Bob Kerrey, the former senator from Nebraska, has resigned from the board of a clean energy start-up in the state after documents released by the Department of Justice indicated that Kerrey and Epstein had met and corresponded by email more than a decade ago.
Lawrence Summers, the Harvard University economist and the institution’s former president, will resign from teaching at the end of the academic year, according to a Harvard spokesman. The decision follows the release of Justice Department documents showing what the New York Times described as a close relationship between Summers and Epstein long after Epstein’s conviction for prostitution involving a minor.
Hillary Clinton, the former first lady of the United States, senator, and secretary of state, is reported to have had no dealings with Epstein but has faced renewed pressure to answer questions about her husband’s actions and relationships.
Richard Axel, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist and professor, has also announced that he is stepping down as co-director of a flagship neuroscience institute at Columbia University because of his friendship with Epstein.
The latest developments mark a further chapter in the continuing fallout from the Epstein case, as institutions and individuals reassess past associations in light of newly disclosed material.
