Christine Lagarde could be named the World Economic Forum’s next chair as early as November, potentially bringing forward her departure as European Central Bank president. Reuters reported the possibility on October 15, citing four people close to the organization. No final decision has been taken.
The sources said the WEF’s Board of Trustees could elect her at a meeting planned for November 2, or arrange a later vote ahead of January’s Davos gathering. A WEF spokesperson, however, said the forum could not confirm the next full board meeting’s date and aimed to hold one before year-end.
Lagarde’s current ECB term runs through October 31, 2027, according to the bank’s official schedule. Reuters noted that she has said she will remain at the ECB into 2027. A November WEF appointment would therefore not, by itself, establish an immediate resignation date.
An earlier departure could let EU leaders choose her successor before France’s spring 2027 presidential election and negotiate a broader package of senior ECB appointments. Another approaching transition is Philip Lane’s Executive Board term, which ends on May 31, 2027. The ECB declined to comment on the WEF report.
Lagarde already sits on the WEF’s board, which lists Larry Fink and André Hoffmann as co-chairs in its governance report. The succession discussion comes as ECB policymakers weigh further tightening: Pierre Wunsch recently said another rate increase was likely while leaving its timing open, as we previously reported.
