CHRISTINE Lagarde, chief of the European Central Bank (ECB), could take over the presidency of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at some point in 2027, Swiss newspaper NZZ reported on Sunday.
At a board meeting near Geneva this week, Lagarde was reportedly described as a “putative candidate” to lead the organization behind the annual Davos gathering of political and business leaders. According to sources cited by the newspaper, she also said she was “ready to serve.” The WEF’s board is currently co-chaired by Roche vice chairman André Hoffmann and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who are navigating a leadership transition after founder Klaus Schwab stepped down last year.
At the board meeting, Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that the succession to Fink and Hoffmann should be resolved internally as suitable candidates were available, NZZ reported.
Lagarde, who has been a member of the WEF’s board for several terms, thanked the members of the 28-strong body for their confidence in her, according to the paper’s reporting.
The board did not determine exactly when Lagarde should take over the presidency, NZZ said, based on sources, adding that the only point of agreement was that Fink and Hoffmann should still chair the annual meeting in Davos in January 2027.
The WEF did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
Lagarde said last year she was determined to complete her term at the ECB, following speculation she might leave early to take up a role leading the WEF. Her eight-year presidential term at the ECB runs out at the end of October 2027.