Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), resigned from his position as chairman of the board of directors of the organization based in Geneva.
Schwab, 87 years old, announced his decision with immediate effect, highlighting that he is entering his 88th year of life. His departure was formally accepted during an extraordinary board meeting held on April 20.
As a transitional measure, Vice Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe will assume the interim chairmanship while the search for a permanent successor begins.
Schwab had already left the position of CEO of the WEF last year, being replaced in daily management by Børge Brende, former Foreign Minister of Norway.
However, he remained a central figure in the organization he founded in 1971 under the name European Management Forum, with the intention of bringing together business and political leaders to address complex global issues.
Over time, this event evolved into the World Economic Forum and its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, became a symbol of dialogue among global elites.
Born in Ravensburg, Germany, on March 30, 1938, Schwab studied at Swiss universities and at Harvard, obtaining doctorates in engineering and economics, as well as multiple honorary doctorates.
The expansion of the WEF has also led to regional meetings and the creation of thematic centers on supply chains, cybersecurity, energy, climate change, and financial systems.
Over more than five decades, he transformed Davos into a space for international dialogue on topics related to progressivism such as climate change, social inclusion, the future of work, and sustainability.
