Davos Boss Steps Down After Epstein files. Borge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, announced his resignation on February 26, 2026, after the organization launched an independent investigation into his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The probe, triggered by newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents in late January, reviewed Brende’s interactions with Epstein, including three business dinners in 2018 and 2019 as well as related emails and text messages. Brende, who had led the WEF for more than eight years after serving as Norway’s foreign minister, stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time of their contact. He chose to step down to prevent any distraction from the forum’s ongoing work, with the investigation concluding no previously undisclosed issues had surfaced. His departure adds to a growing list of prominent figures linked to the Epstein files facing professional consequences amid heightened public scrutiny of elite networks.

bbc.com

World Economic Forum boss Borge Brende quits after review of Jeffrey Epstein links

Brende acknowledged communications with Epstein but said he was "completely unaware" of his past criminal activity.