Epstein file resigns World Economic Forum General Director

Brande, who took office as president of the WEF in 2017, announced his decision following his findings by the US Department of Justice that Norwegian actor had had three dinners with Epsté and numerous communications via email and SMS.

After a careful review, I have decided to resign as president and Executive Director of the World Economic Forum. My mandate here, which has lasted 8.5 years, has been extremely satisfactory”, he said.

I am grateful for the extraordinary cooperation with my colleagues and partners, and I believe that now is the right time for the forum to continue its important work without distractions”, said Brande, who had also served as Norway's foreign minister.

In his announcement, he did not mention the Epstein scandal allegedly linked.

In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairmen of the Geneva forum hosting the annual Davos Summit, said the investigation independent of an independent foreign consultant on Brande's ties with Epstain was complete.

As they announced, Brand's temporary successor will be the Alois Zwigigi of the WEF, while the board of directors of the forum will oversee the transition of leadership until a permanent successor is found.