Karren Brady has stepped down from her position as West Ham United vice-chair, bringing to an end a 16-year tenure on the club’s board.
The 57-year-old Conservative peer, who has become a familiar face to television audiences through her role on The Apprentice, confirmed her resignation just weeks before the current season concludes.
Brady made the announcement whilst in the French capital, where she is currently filming scenes for the upcoming series of the BBC business programme.
Her departure marks the conclusion of an era during which she established herself as one of the Premier League’s most influential figures and football’s highest-profile female executive.
Brady’s professional relationship with David Sullivan stretches back almost forty years, a partnership that would prove transformative for women’s representation in English football.
She first made history in 1993 when Sullivan appointed her as managing director at Birmingham City, making her a pioneer for female executives in the sport at just 23 years of age.
When Sullivan acquired West Ham in 2010 alongside the late David Gold, Brady joined them on the board, where her direct approach would shape the club’s direction for the next decade and a half.
Karren Brady has long been a controversial figure at West Ham
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Working alongside the ownership group, she rose to become one of the most significant voices within the top flight of English football.
Among Brady’s most significant accomplishments was orchestrating the club’s relocation to the London Stadium in 2016, where she secured a favourable loan arrangement that provided West Ham with a 62,000-capacity venue at minimal cost.
Among Brady’s most significant accomplishments was orchestrating the club’s relocation to the London Stadium in 2016, where she secured a favourable loan arrangement that provided West Ham with a 62,000-capacity venue at minimal cost.
In her departing statement, Brady reflected on her time at the club: “It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United.
“Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the Uefa Europa Conference League trophy a moment that will stay with me forever.
“While this chapter closes, my passion for football and commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders remains undiminished.”
West Ham fans have staged protests this season amid the Hammers’ dire Premier League form
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Sullivan paid tribute to his long-standing colleague, stating: “Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the club’s development over the years. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.”
Joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky, who has worked with Brady since 2021, acknowledged that her efforts had not always received due recognition.
“Her contribution to West Ham United’s growth, such as the long-term contract for the London Stadium, shareholders transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, has been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated,” he said.
Brady’s forthright manner occasionally drew criticism from supporters, with some fans directing hostile chants towards her, particularly during away fixtures.