Børge Brende, the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation on Thursday amid scrutiny over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes shortly after the WEF initiated an independent investigation into Brende's relationships with Epstein, which revealed that the Norwegian had attended three business dinners with him and communicated via email and text messages.

In his statement, Brende did not directly reference Epstein, but expressed gratitude for his eight and a half years at the helm of the WEF, which he described as productive. The announcement follows the release of information by the U.S. Department of Justice, raising questions about Brende's professional integrity and associations. His departure marks a significant moment for the WEF, as it seeks to maintain its reputation while continuing its crucial work on global issues.

Brende emphasized the importance of moving forward without distractions during this critical period for the organization. The timing of his resignation signals an attempt by the WEF to uphold its image in the face of potential controversies, and Brende's exit may prompt a reevaluation of leadership and governance within the forum, particularly regarding transparency and accountability.