World Economic Forum Chief Resigns Amid Epstein Scrutiny

Borge Brende steps down following an independent review of his contacts with the sex offender.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Borge Brende, the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, announced his resignation following an independent review of his contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The review found that Brende had three business dinners with Epstein and subsequent email and SMS communications, contradicting Brende's previous denial of any contact with Epstein.

Why it matters

Brende's resignation is the latest high-profile fallout from the ongoing scrutiny of individuals' connections to Jeffrey Epstein, whose sex trafficking crimes and powerful social circle have continued to make headlines years after his death. The WEF, which organizes the annual Davos conference, has faced increased scrutiny over its leadership's ties to Epstein.

The details

The newly released Justice Department files suggest Brende stayed in touch with Epstein up until a week before Epstein was arrested in 2019. Brende responded with a thumbs-up emoji to a message from Epstein that referenced a lawyer's letter downplaying the scope of the case that led to Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

  • Brende first met Epstein in 2018, according to his statement.
  • Brende was in contact with Epstein up until a week before Epstein's arrest in 2019.
  • Brende announced his resignation on February 26, 2026.

The players

Borge Brende

The former president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, who resigned following an independent review of his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender whose connections to powerful individuals have continued to make headlines.

World Economic Forum

The organization that hosts the annual Davos conference and has faced increased scrutiny over its leadership's ties to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“I was completely unaware of Epstein's past and criminal activities before I first met him in 2018.”

— Borge Brende (Reuters)

What’s next

The World Economic Forum says the inquiry uncovered no issues "beyond what has been previously disclosed" but it respects Brende's decision to step down. Brende's exit follows a separate investigation into allegations of misconduct by WEF founder Klaus Schwab, who stepped down as chair in April.

The takeaway

Brende's resignation highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, as high-profile individuals with connections to the convicted sex offender face increased scrutiny and consequences. The WEF, a powerful global institution, has not been immune to this reckoning, raising questions about the influence and accountability of elite networks.