Who is Borge Brende? World Economic Forum president resigns after Epstein files revealed

Brende joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2008 as Managing Director. After serving as Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross from 2009 to 2011, he returned to the Forum in September 2017 as Chairman and CEO. He has led the World Economic Forum, known for its annual Davos meetings, for more than eight years, supporting greater international cooperation.

He also worked hard to improve the way the organization operates during his tenure. In April 2025, forum founder Klaus Schwab resigned as chairman following an internal review. In August 2025, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink were appointed co-chairs to oversee reforms aimed at improving transparency and governance.

Also read: World Economic Forum CEO Bolger Brende resigns amid scrutiny of Epstein ties

Jeffrey Epstein Convicted in 2008 of paying a minor for prostitution. In 2019, he committed suicide in prison while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The newly released documents include iMessage chats and other communications between 2018 and 2019 between Blonde and Epstein. According to the report, documents show that they held three formal dinners over two years and exchanged multiple emails and text messages.

Their discussion included mention of Davos and other possible attendees. The messages also show that Epstein portrayed himself as someone with ties to powerful global leaders.

In a message sent after the dinner in 2018, Brende wrote: “Thank you for a very interesting dinner… You were a wonderful host. Warmly, Borge,” later adding, “Miss you, Mr. Borge.”

In another exchange, after Epstein described advice he gave to a Middle Eastern leader, Brende responded: “Agreed. I’m glad you gave him advice.”

Before the additional documents were released, Brendel publicly stated in November 2025 that he had never met Epstein.

After the documents became public, he revised his statement to say he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal background and that their interactions were limited to three dinners over two years.

Other sources suggest that Epstein sought introductions and influence associated with the World Economic Forum, often citing Davos as a key point of contact with global leaders.

Norwegian media later asked Brende about the gaps between his previous public statements and what the documents showed. The situation raises questions about judgment and background checks, especially since Epstein was convicted in 2008 and his past has been widely reported.

Brende’s resignation is seen as an important moment for the World Economic Forum as it works to improve governance and rebuild public trust.