European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is in talks to become the next head of the World Economic Forum, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.
The potential appointment was discussed at a board meeting of the World Economic Forum this week. Sources said Lagarde appears open to taking on the leadership position, though one source noted she wants to ensure that internal disputes between the forum and its founder, Klaus Schwab, are fully settled before accepting the role.
Bloomberg reported that speculation over Lagarde stepping down early from her central bank post stems partly from her own public statements. She has refused to confirm whether she will serve until the end of her term in October 2027, frequently avoiding direct questions about her future plans.
Potential central bank successors
Potential candidates to replace Lagarde at the top of European monetary policy are already coming forward. The Dutch government has backed Klaas Knot, the former governor of the central bank of the Netherlands, while Germany is considering nominating Joachim Nagel, the president of the Bundesbank. Spain intends to support Pablo Hernandez de Cos, the former governor of the Bank of Spain.
Lagarde has served as president of the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank since 1 November 2019, overseeing interest rates and monetary policy across the eurozone. Prior to her appointment at the central bank, the French financier served as managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the Washington-based global financial organization.
Leadership transition at the forum
The leadership role at the World Economic Forum became vacant after founder Klaus Schwab announced his resignation in April 2025. Schwab stepped down as chairman and member of the board of directors after leading the international organization for 55 years. The Switzerland-based forum is best known for organizing the annual gathering of political leaders, corporate executives and economists in the Swiss resort of Davos.
Speculation about Lagarde leaving the European Central Bank before the end of her mandate previously emerged in February 2026. The Financial Times reported at the time, citing a source, that Lagarde could step down early to allow French President Emmanuel Macron to influence the appointment of her successor in one of Europe's most influential financial roles.
The timing of such a move would allow Macron to shape the decision before France holds its next presidential election, where the far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen could come to power.
Lagarde rejected speculation of an early exit when the Financial Times report was published. In April, she reaffirmed that she was not considering an early resignation, stating that her departure was not on the table while the eurozone economy was navigating difficult times.
