History of Klaus Schwab in Timeline

Klaus Schwab is a German engineer, economist, and the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Founded in 1971, the WEF has become a prominent platform for global leaders to discuss economic and social issues. Schwab served as the WEF's chairman from its inception until 2025. In May 2024, the WEF announced Schwab will transition from Executive Chairman to Chairman of the Board of Trustees by January 2025, with no successor yet appointed.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 1938: Klaus Schwab Born

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

March 1938: Birth of Klaus Schwab

On 30 March 1938, Klaus Martin Schwab was born to Eugen Wilhelm Schwab and Erika Epprecht in Ravensburg, Germany. His parents had moved from Switzerland to Germany during the Third Reich so that his father could work as a director at Escher Wyss AG.

1957: Graduated from Spohn-Gymnasium

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

1961: Graduated from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

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

1971: Founded European Management Forum

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

1971: Founded World Economic Forum

In 1971, Klaus Schwab founded the World Economic Forum (WEF) and acted as its chairman since its founding until 2025.

1971: Marriage to Hilde Schwab

In 1971, Klaus Schwab married Hilde Schwab, his former assistant, 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.

1975: Birth of daughter Nicole

In 1975 or 1976 Klaus and Hilde Schwab had a daughter named Nicole, who co-founded the Gender Equality Project.

1976: Birth of daughter Nicole

In 1975 or 1976 Klaus and Hilde Schwab had a daughter named Nicole, who co-founded the Gender Equality Project.

1987: European Management Forum Renamed

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

1998: Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship created

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

1998: Multimillion-Dollar Contract Awarded

In 1998, the World Economic Forum (WEF) awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to USWeb, and shortly after, Klaus Schwab took a board seat at the same company, reaping valuable stock options.

2003: CEO Appointed

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

2003: Honorary professor at the University of Geneva

Since 2003, Klaus Schwab has been an honorary professor at the University of Geneva.

October 2004: CEO Resignation

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

2006: Incident Highlighted in 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 World Economic Forum (WEF).

2015: WEF Formally Recognized

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

2016: Authored Book

In 2016, Klaus Schwab wrote a book on the subject of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, an idea he is credited with popularising.

January 2017: Book Criticized

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

Fourth Industrial Revolution

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June 2021: Criticism of Davos Municipality

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

2022: Mention of COVID-related meeting

Klaus Schwab mentioned that the preparation of the COVID-related meeting in Singapore in 2021/2022 had created an alternative to its Swiss host and sees the chance that the annual meeting will stay in Davos at between 40 and 70 per cent.

May 2024: Schwab to Transition Role at WEF

In May 2024, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced that Klaus Schwab will move from his role as Executive Chairman to Chairman of the Board of Trustees by January 2025.

June 29, 2024: Sexual Harassment Accusations

On June 29, 2024, The Wall Street Journal published an article stating that Klaus Schwab is accused by former World Economic Forum (WEF) employees of having engaged in two instances of sexual harassment.