WEF boss quits as body starts probe into Epstein links
By Frank Prenesti
Date: Thursday 26 Feb 2026
(Sharecast News) - World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende on Thursday said he was stepping down after the organisation started a probe into his relationship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende said he was leaving the WEF after more than eight years to avoid "distractions".
His departure comes after disclosures from the US Justice Department revealed Brende had three business dinners with Epstein and had also communicated with him via email and text message.
"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 in a statement.
Brende becomes the latest in a growing list of high profile figures to leave their jobs due to their past associations with the dead paedophile.
In recent weeks the Peter Mandelson, the UK's ambassador to Washington, was forced to quit in disgrace and was this week arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office before being released on bail pending further investigation.
The head of P&O Ferries owner DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, quit after the publication of messages with Epstein and top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathy Ruemmler resigned earlier this month after emails showing a close relationship between her and Epstein.
Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
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