Børge Brende, the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has stepped down from his role following an internal review into his past contacts with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny over Epstein's extensive network among global elites, as revealed in recently unsealed U.S. documents.

Brende, who served as Norway's foreign minister before taking the WEF helm in 2017, admitted to three business dinners with Epstein in 2018 and 2019, along with exchanged emails and messages. He maintained these were professional in nature and that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal history at the time, including the disgraced financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Despite the independent probe clearing him of any wrongdoing beyond these contacts, Brende decided to resign after more than eight years leading the organization. WEF co-chairs, including André Hoffmann and BlackRock's Larry Fink, commended Brende's contributions but stressed the need for a fresh start. "This step ensures the Forum can continue its vital work without distraction," a statement read.

The resignation hits as the WEF prepares for its flagship annual meeting in Davos, where leaders discuss pressing issues like climate action and economic inequality. Epstein's lingering influence has ensnared others in recent months—from British royalty to U.S. politicians—prompting a wave of accountability demands. Brende's exit mirrors high-profile fallout like Prince Andrew's, where even casual associations prove damaging in an era of transparency.

This development spotlights vulnerabilities in elite networks, where vetting lapses can erode public trust overnight. For the WEF, known for convening billionaires and policymakers, it signals a push for stricter governance amid ongoing Epstein document releases. Analysts predict a swift leadership transition to steady the ship before the next summit, underscoring how past oversights continue to haunt today's power players.