The World Economic Forum board has engaged with a leading global law firm to conduct a thorough investigation into its workplace culture. This move follows recent revelations by The Wall Street Journal concerning allegations of harassment and discrimination within the organization that orchestrates the elite Davos gatherings.
Special Committee Formed and Investigation Oversighted by AXA CEO
According to sources familiar with the situation, the board of trustees has established a special committee to oversee the inquiry. Thomas Buberl, CEO of French insurer AXA, has been appointed to lead the investigation. The trustees are receiving assistance from Covington & Burling, a law firm renowned for its expertise in handling high-profile workplace reviews.
Allegations of Hostile Environment and Discrimination
The Journal’s report, published on June 29, detailed claims from over 80 current and former employees alleging a toxic environment at the Forum, particularly affecting women and Black individuals. The report highlighted issues such as sexual harassment, pregnancy-related discrimination, and racial discrimination. The Forum has contested these claims. It asserts that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such misconduct and has acted appropriately in response to any complaints.
Corporate Partners Seek Clarification
Following the article’s publication, several of the Forum’s corporate partners reached out for clarification regarding the allegations. These partners included Pfizer, Mastercard, Merck & Co., Danish manufacturer Velux, design consultancy Arup, and global property-management giant Jones Lang LaSalle.

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Forum’s Response and Internal Measures
In a statement, the Forum announced that independent board members will oversee the review with external counsel support. “The board committee will report back to the Board of Trustees once the review is completed,” the Forum stated. Additionally, an internal memo instructed employees to track interactions with partners regarding the article. The memo categorized concerns into the following groups: “Neutral/Slightly Positive/Positive” and “Negative (partnership in jeopardy).”
Leadership Transition Complicated by Controversy
The scrutiny on the World Economic Forum internal culture has added complexity to discussions about Klaus Schwab’s successor. Schwab, who has led the board for over five decades, announced in May his intention to step down as executive chairman but remain as nonexecutive chairman. Concerns that the ongoing issues could impact support from partners and deter potential candidates for leadership have emerged.
Legal Actions and External Pressures
On July 8, Topaz Smith, a New York-based employee, filed a lawsuit alleging pregnancy and racial discrimination, echoing claims made in the Journal’s report. The World Economic Forum has expressed disappointment in response to Smith’s lawsuit, calling the claims false. Furthermore, a group of former employees has petitioned the Attorney General of Geneva, Olivier Jornot. They are urging a formal investigation into the Forum’s working environment. Neither the Forum nor Jornot has yet commented on the letter.
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