The head of global ports operator DP World has left the company after mounting pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's exit as chairman and chief executive comes after newly-released files showed the Emirati mogul appears to have exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein over a decade.
DP World announced his resignation, effective immediately, on Friday, with Essa Kazim taking over as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. A photograph of Sulayem has also been removed from their website.
DP World, the Dubai-owned logistics giant that plays a significant role in global trade infrastructure, has been under increasing pressure from business partners. Recently, the UK's development finance agency and Canada's second-largest pension fund suspended new investments in the firm. The Earthshot project, funded by DP World, was reported to the UK Charity Commission due to Sulayem's appearance in the Epstein files.
The documents reveal a close relationship between Sulayem and Epstein, with the two exchanging personal messages and discussing various business ideas up to 2017, raising alarms about their interactions. In the emails, Sulayem sought Epstein's advice on multiple matters, showing the extent of their connection despite Epstein's criminal history.
As the fallout continues, DP World aims to regain stability and trust under its new leadership amid significant scrutiny.
