The chief executive of global port operator DP World, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, stepped down on Friday after a wave of pressure following the release of U.S. Department of Justice files that show he exchanged hundreds of emails with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein over a decade.
Resignation and leadership change
DP World announced Sulayem’s immediate departure and named Essa Kazim as its new president and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. The company also removed Sulayem’s photo from its website.
DP World, owned by Dubai, runs terminal facilities on six continents and plays a crucial role in global trade infrastructure.
Investor reaction
Earlier this week the UK development finance agency and Canada’s second‑largest pension fund, La Caisse, suspended new investments in DP World.
The Prince of Wales’ Earthshot project, funded by the firm, was referred to the UK Charity Commission after Sulayem’s name appeared in the Epstein files.
Nature of the Epstein connection
Documents reveal a close relationship in which Epstein introduced Sulayem to international political and business figures, including a 2016 tour of DP World’s London Gateway port offered to the Prince of Wales.
U.S. Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie listed Sulayem among the “six powerful men” linked to Epstein, and highlighted a censored 2009 email referencing a “video of torture.”
Personal and professional correspondence
Emails show Sulayem and Epstein discussing travel plans, business ideas such as a potential Dubai “Islamic” digital currency, and personal matters including health concerns and relationships.
Other messages detail introductions to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and inquiries about a proposal involving Elon Musk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ahmed Bin Sulayem resign?
He resigned after intense scrutiny and pressure following the disclosure of extensive email communications with Jeffrey Epstein, which raised concerns about his associations.
What did the Department of Justice files reveal?
The files showed Sulayem exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein from 2007 to at least 2017, discussed introductions to global leaders, and included references to personal matters and a censored email about a “video of torture.”
How have investors responded to the revelations?
Both the UK development finance agency and Canada’s La Caisse announced they would suspend new investments in DP World, and the Earthshot project faced a charity commission inquiry.
What do you think the longer‑term impact of this leadership shake‑up could be for DP World’s global operations?
