Lagarde Could Become WEF President in 2027, Sources Say

Christine Lagarde, the chief of the European Central Bank (ECB), may take over as the president of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2027. At a recent board meeting near Geneva, Lagarde was described as a 'putative candidate' to lead the organization behind the annual Davos gathering. According to sources cited by Swiss newspaper NZZ, 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.

Lagarde has been a member of the WEF's board for several terms. Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said at the meeting that the succession to Fink and Hoffmann should be resolved internally, as suitable candidates were available. The board did not determine exactly when Lagarde should take over the presidency.

The only point of agreement was that Fink and Hoffmann should still chair the annual meeting in Davos in January 2027. Lagarde's eight-year presidential term at the ECB runs out at the end of October 2027. She 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.