ECB chief Lagarde tipped to lead World Economic Forum in 2027

Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, is being considered to lead the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2027, according to a Swiss newspaper report on Sunday.

The report said Lagarde was described as a "putative candidate" during a recent WEF board meeting near Geneva. Sources cited by the paper said she indicated she was "ready to serve" in the role, which oversees the organisation behind the annual Davos summit.

The WEF's board is currently co-chaired by André Hoffmann of Roche and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. They are managing a leadership transition following the departure of founder Klaus Schwab last year.

At the board meeting, Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam reportedly argued that the succession to Fink and Hoffmann should be settled internally, as suitable candidates were already available. Lagarde, who has served on the WEF board for several terms, thanked the 28-member body for its confidence in her, the paper said.

No specific date was set for Lagarde to assume the presidency. The only point of agreement, according to sources, was that Fink and Hoffmann should continue to chair the Davos annual meeting in January 2027.

The WEF did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lagarde's eight-year term as ECB president runs until the end of October 2027. Last year, she said she was determined to complete that term, amid speculation she might leave early for a WEF role.