Key facts
- Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, is reportedly seeking an advisory role.
- This role would allow him to have a say in appointing future WEF leadership.
- Schwab resigned from the WEF in April last year after a whistleblower alleged misconduct.
- An investigation by the WEF concluded in August 2025, clearing Schwab of wrongdoing.
- Larry Fink and Andre Hoffmann were appointed interim co-chairs of the WEF board.
Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), is reportedly seeking to return to the organization in an advisory capacity that would grant him influence over the selection of future leaders. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing correspondence with board members, that Schwab aims to regain a voice in the WEF's governance.
Schwab, who for decades was the public face of the WEF's annual gathering in Davos, stepped down from his positions in April of the previous year. His resignation followed allegations of misconduct detailed in a whistleblower letter. The WEF concluded its investigation into these claims in August 2025, ultimately clearing Schwab of any wrongdoing.
In the interim, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Roche Holding's vice-chair Andre Hoffmann have been appointed as interim co-chairs of the WEF's board. Representatives for Schwab declined to comment on the report, and the WEF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.