DP World Appoints New CEO Amid Epstein Controversy

United Arab Emirates-based logistics giant DP World has appointed a new chairman and CEO following controversy over former chief Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed on Friday that Essa Kazim will serve as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as group CEO. Bin Sulayem, one of Dubai’s most influential figures, led DP World for over four decades, overseeing more than 60 ports and terminals worldwide and handling about 10% of global trade.

The leadership change comes after recently declassified documents revealed long-term communications between bin Sulayem and Epstein, including discussions on business deals, sharing contacts, and visits to Epstein’s private island. Some exchanges also contained inappropriate comments about women.

While the documents did not directly implicate bin Sulayem in criminal activity, the revelations led several partners to pause investments with DP World. Canada’s La Caisse, which invested $2.5 billion in key DP World assets in 2022, said it would halt further deals until the company addressed these links. Similarly, the UK’s British International Investment temporarily suspended cooperation.

Following the new appointments, British International Investment welcomed the change and announced it would resume partnership projects, particularly in African trading ports.

Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution and continued to maintain connections with wealthy and influential figures until his 2019 death while facing sex trafficking charges.

DP World’s leadership overhaul aims to restore confidence among investors and partners and maintain its position as a global logistics powerhouse.