Overview
- WEF board co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink accepted Brende’s decision and said the search for a permanent successor is underway.
- Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice show Brende had three business dinners with Jeffrey Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages.
- Media reports, including the Tages-Anzeiger, describe more than 100 messages and note dinners at Epstein’s New York residence that included figures such as Steve Bannon.
- Brende had publicly denied any contact in November 2025 before later acknowledging meetings and communications in 2018 and 2019, saying he wanted the Forum to continue without distraction.
- The resignation adds to wider fallout tied to the Epstein files, with investigations and resignations in Norway, including the departure of diplomat Mona Juul and ongoing scrutiny of other public figures.