- World Economic Forum appoints Larry Fink and André Hoffmann as interim co-chairs following governance review.
- Move comes after investigation cleared founder Klaus Schwab of wrongdoing and set stage for structural reforms.
- Fink’s appointment could heighten WEF’s influence on ESG investing, global finance, and digital asset adoption.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Roche vice chairman André Hoffmann have been appointed interim co-chairs of the World Economic Forum (WEF) as the institution enters a critical period of transition.
The appointments follow an independent investigation that found no evidence of misconduct by WEF founder Klaus Schwab but underscored the need to strengthen governance and formalize the organization’s operating model. Schwab, who established the Forum in 1971, remains closely associated with its mission but is stepping back from active leadership.
In a joint statement, Fink and Hoffmann said: “We are honored to take on this leadership role on an interim basis at a pivotal time for the World Economic Forum. As the organization moves into a new chapter, we look ahead with clarity, purpose, and confidence in the Forum’s enduring mission.”
Fink’s appointment is particularly significant given BlackRock’s global reach—managing trillions in assets and shaping investment strategies across governments, corporates, and pension funds. Under his leadership, BlackRock has become a leading voice in ESG investing and climate-focused finance, themes deeply embedded in WEF’s Davos agenda.
Beyond ESG, Fink has also steered BlackRock into digital assets. The firm’s Bitcoin spot ETF approval in 2024 marked a watershed moment for institutional crypto adoption. His influence at the WEF could further integrate blockchain and digital assets into global economic policy frameworks.
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“The world is more fragmented and complex than ever, but the need for a platform that brings together business, government, and civil society has never been greater,” Fink and Hoffmann said. “We believe the Forum can serve as a unique catalyst for cooperation, one that fosters trust, identifies shared goals, and turns dialogue into action.”
The WEF Board emphasized that the transition is not just about leadership but about reinforcing the Forum’s role as an impartial, trusted convener. “This moment marks a pivotal transition for the World Economic Forum,” the Board said. “The Board will now focus its attention on institutionalizing the Forum as a resilient International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.”
The interim co-chairs face a demanding agenda: rebuilding trust, strengthening governance, and advancing solutions on issues ranging from climate resilience to geopolitical fragmentation.
Fink and Hoffmann underscored their optimism despite the challenges. “The Forum has an opportunity to help drive international collaboration in a way that not only generates prosperity but distributes it more broadly,” they noted.
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