WEF founder Schwab seeks return to forum through advisory role, WSJ reports

The World Economic Forum's founder, Klaus Schwab, has plotted a return to the organisation through an advisory role that would give him a say in appointing its future leadership, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing letters to board members.

For decades, Schwab had been the face of the WEF's annual gathering of business and political leaders in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos, which has become a symbol of globalisation.

He resigned from the WEF in April last year following a whistleblower letter alleging misconduct. The WEF closed an investigation in August 2025, clearing him of any wrongdoing.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Roche Holding's vice-chair Andre Hoffmann were appointed as interim co-chairs of the WEF board.

A representative for Schwab declined to comment on the WSJ report. WEF did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the reports.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in Barcelona; Editing by Alex Richardson and Tomasz Janowski)

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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 2:23 PM.