Børge Brende has announced his resignation as the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) amid controversy over his past contacts with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Brende mentioned that after careful consideration, he deemed it best for both himself and the WEF for someone else to take on the role. His decision was influenced by the potential distraction the matter could pose to the important work of the organization, despite an external review finding no new issues. Brende has been at the helm of the WEF since 2017, focusing on global economic partnerships and initiatives.

The connection between Brende and Epstein, who has been convicted of sexual crimes, surfaced earlier this winter, prompting public scrutiny and media coverage. Though the review conducted by WEF revealed no undisclosed information, Brende's leadership was under heightened scrutiny due to Epstein's notorious reputation and the implications it could have on WEF’s credibility. The WEF has announced plans to implement measures to address organizational integrity and transparency following the public's concern regarding this association.

Brende's departure raises questions about the future leadership and direction of the World Economic Forum as it seeks to maintain its role as a major platform for discussing global issues. The organization, which has been pivotal in fostering economic discussions among world leaders and business executives, must now navigate the challenge of recovery from this incident and reassure stakeholders of its commitment to ethical governance. The topic of accountability and reform will likely remain a central focus for the WEF as they seek to rebuild trust in their leadership and programs.