History of Klaus Schwab in Timeline

Klaus Schwab is a German engineer and economist, best known as the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 1971. He spearheaded the WEF, acting as its chairman until 2025, and has been a prominent figure in global discussions on economic and social issues. The WEF, under his leadership, became a platform for world leaders to collaborate on shaping global, regional, and industry agendas. He was succeeded as chairman by Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 1938: Klaus Schwab Born

In March 1938, Klaus Martin Schwab was born in Germany. He is a German mechanical engineer, economist, and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

1957: Graduated from Spohn-Gymnasium

In 1957, Klaus Schwab graduated from the Spohn-Gymnasium in Ravensburg with his Abitur.

1961: Graduated as a mechanical engineer

In 1961, Klaus Schwab graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, earning a doctorate in engineering.

1971: Founded European Management Forum

In 1971, Klaus Schwab founded the European Management Forum, which later became the World Economic Forum.

1971: Founded World Economic Forum

In 1971, Klaus Schwab founded the World Economic Forum (WEF), originally named the European Management Forum.

1971: Married Hilde Schwab

In 1971, Klaus Schwab married Hilde Schwab, his former assistant. The wedding took place in Sertig Valley at a Reformed church.

1972: Professor at the University of Geneva

In 1972, Klaus Schwab became a professor of business policy at the University of Geneva.

1987: European Management Forum Renamed

In 1987, the European Management Forum was renamed as the World Economic Forum.

1998: Schwab Foundation Founded

In 1998, Klaus Schwab and his wife Hilde created the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

1998: Financial Deal with USWeb

In 1998, the WEF awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to USWeb, and shortly after, Klaus Schwab took a board seat at the same company.

2003: Appointed CEO of WEF

In 2003, Klaus Schwab appointed José María Figueres CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) as his successor.

2003: Honorary Professor

In 2003, Klaus Schwab became an honorary professor at the University of Geneva.

October 2004: CEO of WEF Resigned

In October 2004, José María Figueres resigned as CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) due to undeclared consultancy fees.

2006: Incident Highlighted in Global Corruption Report

In 2006, Transparency International highlighted the José María Figueres incident in their Global Corruption Report.

2011: Founded Global Shapers Community

In 2011, Klaus Schwab founded the Global Shapers Community within the WEF to work with young people.

2015: Introduced the Phrase Fourth Industrial Revolution

In 2015, Klaus Schwab introduced the phrase "Fourth Industrial Revolution" to a wider audience in an article published by Foreign Affairs.

2015: WEF Formally Recognized

In 2015, the World Economic Forum (WEF) was formally recognised by the Swiss Government as an "international body".

October 2016: Forum Announced Opening of Centre

In October 2016, the Forum announced the opening of its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco.

2016: Published "The Fourth Industrial Revolution" Book

In 2016, Klaus Schwab wrote "The Fourth Industrial Revolution", an idea he is credited with popularising.

Fourth Industrial Revolution

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January 2017: Criticism of Schwab's Book

In January 2017, Steven Poole in The Guardian criticised Klaus Schwab's Fourth Industrial Revolution book.

Fourth Industrial Revolution

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November 2019: Schwab Met with Vladimir Putin

In November 2019, Klaus Schwab met with Vladimir Putin at the annual SPIEF to present to him a copy of his book.

June 2021: Criticism of Davos Municipality

In June 2021, Klaus Schwab criticised the "profiteering", "complacency" and "lack of commitment" of the municipality of Davos in relation to the WEF annual meeting.

2022: COVID-related Meeting in Singapore

Klaus Schwab mentioned that the preparation of the COVID-related meeting in Singapore in 2021/2022 had created an alternative to its Swiss host.

June 2024: Sexual Harassment Accusations

On 29 June 2024, The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that Klaus Schwab is accused by former WEF employees of engaging in two instances of sexual harassment.

April 2025: Resignation from WEF

On 21 April 2025, Klaus Schwab resigned from his position as Chair and member of the Board of Trustees of the WEF, with immediate effect, amidst accusations.

May 2025: Complaint Against Whistleblowers

In May 2025, Klaus Schwab launched a defamation and coercion complaint against anonymous whistleblowers whose allegations prompted his resignation as chair of the WEF board of trustees in 2025.