Borge Brende has resigned as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) following revelations of his links with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who has led the WEF since 2017, announced his departure on Thursday. He joins prominent figures who have left their positions after their contacts with Epstein were disclosed in files released by the US Department of Justice last month.
In a statement, Brende said: "After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My 8.5 years here have been profoundly rewarding." He did not mention Epstein.
His resignation came several weeks after the WEF, organizer of the annual Davos summit, launched an independent investigation into his relationship with Epstein. The files revealed that Brende had three business dinners with Epstein and communicated with him via email and text messages.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 of procuring a minor for prostitution and served about a year in prison. His contacts with a network of influential figures continued until an investigation was reopened in 2019. Epstein died by suicide in prison that year while facing sex trafficking charges.
Brende stated earlier this month that during a 2018 visit to New York, he received an invitation from former Norwegian politician Terje Rod-Larsen to a dinner with other leaders, including Epstein. He attended two similar dinners the following year.
He said: "I was completely unaware of Epstein’s past and criminal activities," adding that he regrets not conducting a more thorough background check.
WEF co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink announced that an independent review of Brende's ties with Epstein has concluded. The findings stated there were no additional concerns beyond what had been previously disclosed.
Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO. The WEF's board of trustees will oversee the leadership transition, including identifying a permanent replacement.
Epstein's links to business and political leaders have led to arrests and resignations globally. In Norway, Thorbjørn Jagland, Terje Rod-Larsen and his wife Mona Juul, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are under scrutiny. In the UK, France, and Slovakia, other prominent figures have faced consequences due to Epstein connections.
Source: www.aljazeera.com