Baroness Karren Brady has announced she is stepping down from her role at West Ham after 16 years with the club. The prominent businesswoman will now turn her focus towards her other business ventures and her duties in the House of Lords. Her exit follows widespread protests from West Ham supporters over the club’s disappointing performances both on and off the pitch. The Hammers currently occupy 17th place in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United,” the 57-year-old said in a statement released to The Times. “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. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my time at the club.
“While this chapter closes, my passion for football and commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders remains undiminished. I wish West Ham United every success for the future and look forward to following their continued achievements with pride.”
Brady, who serves as one of Lord Alan Sugar’s advisors on the hit TV programme The Apprentice, first joined West Ham in 2010. Her appointment came a year after she oversaw the £80million sale of Birmingham City.
She played a pivotal role in the club’s relocation from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, seeing off competition from Tottenham to secure the tenancy at the London 2012 Olympic Games venue.
Responding to her departure, David Sullivan said: “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 Krentinsky added: “I want to thank Karren most sincerely for our collaboration since 2021, and for all the work she has done in the past for the club.
“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.
“Karren is also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our club there.
“I wish her the best of luck in all future activities.”
