GENEVA (AP) — World Economic Forum head Børge Brende said Thursday that he is stepping down after facing pressure over his contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, said in a statement that he had decided “after careful consideration” to step down as president and chief executive of the forum, known for its annual January summit in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos.
“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” Brende said in a statement released by the WEF.
Brende was Norway’s foreign minister from 2013-2017 and is one of several prominent Norwegians who have faced scrutiny following the latest release of Epstein files.
He didn't refer directly to that controversy in Thursday's statement, but the WEF announced earlier this month that it was opening an internal review into Brende to determine his relationship with Epstein after files indicated the two had dined together several times and exchanged messages.
Brende told Norwegian broadcaster NRK at the time that he was cooperating with the investigation, that he only met Epstein in business settings and that he had been unaware of Epstein’s criminal background.
WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement that “the independent review conducted by outside counsel has concluded. The findings stated that there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.”
They said that Alois Zwinggi will serve as the forum's interim president and CEO.
FILE - CEO of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende talks during of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Kyle Connor scored twice and the Winnipeg Jets overcame an early deficit to beat the Columbus 2-1 on Saturday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive and sending the Blue Jackets to their sixth straight loss.
Winnipeg moved to 78 points, a point out of the final wild-card spot in the crowded Western Conference.
Connor tied it with 1:46 left in the second period, and scored the winner with 9:02 left in the third. He has 36 goals this season. Mark Scheifele had his 59th and 60th assists, and Connor Hellebuyck made 15 saves.
Ivan Provorov scored for Columbus, which has lost four straight at home and remains outside the Eastern Conference wild-card picture. Jet Greaves stopped 23 shots.
Provorov scored on Columbus’ first shot 1:17 into the game. It was the Blue Jackets’ 57th goal by a defenseman this season, a franchise record.
Columbus then went more than 25 minutes without another shot as Winnipeg took control.
Jets: Host Seattle on Monday night.
Blue Jackets: At Detroit on Tuesday night.
Columbus Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness, center top, looks on during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, left, stops a shot in front of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli and Jets forward Mark Scheifele during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves, left, stops a shot in front of Winnipeg Jets forward Alex Iafallo during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko (86) reaches for the puck in front of Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti (91) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor, left, celebrates with teammate forward Mark Scheifele after Conner's goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
