Epstein Associate Resigns From Cambridge Judge Advisory Board

David Stern at the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai. Newly released docs show that Stern was a close associate of Epstein Photo: YouTube via Financial News

A German financier with documented ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has resigned from the advisory board of the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School after media inquiries into his relationship with the late disgraced investor.

David Stern stepped down from the board “with immediate effect,” a spokesperson confirmed to Poets&Quants, after media outlets raised questions about his association with Epstein. His name was reportedly removed from the school’s website shortly afterward. 

RESIGNATION FOLLOWS MASSIVE DOJ FILE RELEASE

Stern’s departure comes amid heightened scrutiny after newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents shed fresh light on Epstein’s network of associates. Emails and records describe a years-long relationship between Stern and Epstein that continued well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. 

Reports indicate that Stern, 48, frequently traveled to Epstein’s residences and exchanged hundreds of emails discussing potential deals, investment opportunities, and personal matters, according to the documents. In a 2009 message, Stern referred to himself as Epstein’s “soldier” and the sex offender as his “general,” suggesting a close working relationship within Epstein’s orbit.

There has been no indication that Stern was accused of criminal wrongdoing, though his name appears throughout the files. Stern has not publicly commented on his resignation. 

ADVISORY BOARD PLAYS ‘CRITICAL ROLE’

Stern joined the advisory board in January 2018. The board includes senior executives from firms such as McKinsey, CVC Capital Partners, Investec, and Invesco. 

Notably, Stern had been the only adviser listed without a headshot or profile page on the school’s website prior to his departure. 

According to Cambridge Judge’s website, the advisory board “plays a critical role” in the school’s development by fostering high-level connections, supporting fundraising, and advising leadership on strategic priorities.

The university has not clarified whether it was aware of Stern’s Epstein ties before his appointment or during his tenure. 

TIES DATED BACK YEARS

Emails indicate Stern acted at times as a business partner and intermediary, facilitating introductions to influential figures and maintaining extensive communication with Epstein. 

Beyond Cambridge, Stern has been active in global investment circles through his firm Asia Gateway – later renamed Witan Group – which advises European companies investing in China.  He relocated from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates in 2023, registry filings show. 

He also served as a director of Prince Andrew’s Pitch@Palace initiative and maintained personal ties to the royal, himself disgraced by a connection to Epstein, including attending the prince’s birthday celebration in 2014. Separate reporting has described Stern as a former aide to Prince Andrew who remained in contact with Epstein until the financier’s arrest and death in 2019, at times conveying messages and facilitating requests.

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