WEF probes founder Klaus Schwab amid explosive whistleblower claims
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The World Economic Forum is investigating its founder Klaus Schwab after a whistleblower raised concerns about governance, workplace culture, and alleged misuse of resources.
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World Economic Forum founder and chairman Klaus Schwab attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2025 (AFP)
The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced Tuesday that it has launched an investigation into its founder, Klaus Schwab, following a whistleblower letter that alleged misconduct by the former chairman.
The announcement came just one day after Schwab, 87, unexpectedly resigned from his role as chairman, effective immediately, without providing an official reason for his resignation.
Whistleblower letter raises governance and culture concerns
According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the investigation, an anonymous letter was sent to the WEF's board last week.
The letter raised concerns about the forum’s governance and workplace culture, including allegations that the Schwab family improperly used the forum’s resources for personal matters without adequate oversight.
In an emailed statement to Reuters, the WEF stated that it "takes these allegations seriously, it emphasizes that they remain unproven, and will await the outcome of the investigation to comment further."
The forum did not disclose further details regarding the whistleblower allegations.
A spokesman for the Schwab family has denied all allegations contained in the whistleblower complaint, according to the Wall Street Journal. The spokesman also said that Klaus Schwab intends to file a lawsuit against the anonymous author of the letter and "anybody who spreads these mistruths."
Broader criticism of World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Its annual Davos meeting has been criticized across the political spectrum as an elitist event out of touch with everyday concerns. Additionally, reports about the WEF’s internal culture have surfaced, adding to the controversy.
The WSJ previously reported that the WEF board had engaged a law firm to investigate allegations of harassment and discrimination within the organization, claims the forum denied.
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