The head of the World Economic Forum has resigned amid criticism over his past links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Børge Brende announced he will step down as president and chief executive after more than eight years at the helm of the organisation, which is widely known for its annual January gathering in the Swiss resort town of Davos, according to Reuters.

His resignation follows the launch of an independent review by the forum after Brende acknowledged meeting Epstein for dinner three times in 2018 and 2019.

Newly released documents also revealed text messages and emails exchanged between the two men.

In November, Brende denied having any contact with Epstein, but later acknowledged knowing him after documents released by the US Department of Justice brought their relationship to light.

However, WEF said its independent review found “no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.”

Brende’s exit adds to a growing list of prominent figures who have stepped down over ties to the financier.

Earlier this week, the former US treasury secretary and former president of Harvard University, Larry Summers, announced he would resign from teaching at Harvard University at the end of the academic year amid a university review of newly released Epstein-related documents.