A report from the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag published Sunday states that European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has signaled a willingness to assume a leadership position at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report, citing unnamed sources described as well-informed, suggests a potential transition could take place in 2027.
According to the newspaper, Lagarde has communicated her “fundamental willingness” for a role at the Geneva-based international organization. The timeline aligns with the conclusion of her non-renewable, eight-year term as president of the ECB, which is set to end in October 2027.
The report has drawn attention to succession planning within the World Economic Forum, an organization founded in 1971 by its current Executive Chairman, Klaus Schwab. The WEF is known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which convenes global leaders from business, politics, and academia. The organization’s current president is Børge Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister.
In response to inquiries from news agencies regarding the NZZ am Sonntag report, both the European Central Bank and the World Economic Forum declined to comment.
Christine Lagarde has held the presidency of the European Central Bank since November 2019. In this role, she is responsible for the monetary policy of the eurozone. Prior to her position at the ECB, Lagarde served as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2019. Her public service career also includes several ministerial roles in the French government, including Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry.
No official announcements regarding future leadership changes have been made by the World Economic Forum or by Lagarde. The information remains attributed to the sources cited in the NZZ am Sonntag article.
