A possible move from Europe’s central bank to Davos is drawing attention, while the forum’s leadership transition remains unresolved.
Christine Lagarde, who heads the European Central Bank, could become president of the World Economic Forum in 2027. Her candidacy was discussed at a meeting of the organization’s board near Geneva this week.
During the meeting, Lagarde was named a likely candidate to lead the World Economic Forum, which annually brings together political and business leaders in Davos. According to NZZ, she also expressed her willingness to head the organization.
ready to serve
– Christine Lagarde
Leadership transition at the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum’s board is currently co-chaired by Roche Vice Chairman André Hoffmann and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. They are overseeing the leadership transition process after the organization’s founder, Klaus Schwab, stepped down last year.
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said at the board meeting that the issue of successors to Larry Fink and André Hoffmann should be resolved within the organization, as suitable candidates are already available.
Christine Lagarde has served on the WEF board for several terms. According to NZZ, she thanked the 28 board members for their trust.
When Lagarde could lead the WEF
The board has not yet set a specific date for when Christine Lagarde could assume the presidency of the World Economic Forum. However, participants in the meeting agreed that Larry Fink and André Hoffmann should continue to chair the annual meeting in Davos in January 2027.
Last year, Lagarde said she intended to complete her term as head of the European Central Bank, despite speculation about her possible early move to the WEF. Her eight-year term as ECB president ends in late October 2027.