Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai-based logistics group DP World replaced its chairman and chief executive on Friday after leaked disclosures in the recently released Epstein files. Authorities said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resigned with immediate effect.
Leadership change announced
Dubai authorities announced that bin Sulayem had stepped down, ending his tenure at the state-backed company. He has been replaced by Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive.
The announcement made no reference to bin Sulayem or the reasons behind his departure.
Epstein files disclosures
The leadership change followed the release by the US Department of Justice of millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, which revealed years of correspondence between Epstein and bin Sulayem.
The material includes explicit personal exchanges, references to escorts and masseuses, and discussions of sexual encounters. US authorities have stressed that inclusion in the files “is not indicative of criminal wrongdoing”.
DP World declined to comment on the nature of bin Sulayem’s relationship with Epstein. He has not been accused of any criminal offence.
Impact on operations and partnerships
The disclosures had immediate consequences for DP World’s international partnerships.
DP World operates the port of Limassol under a long-term concession agreement with the Cypriot state.
What impact do you think the leadership change could have on DP World’s international partnerships?
