Baroness Karren Brady quits West Ham vice-chair position as membership in relegation battle
Baroness Karren Brady has stepped down from her role at West Ham after 16 years with the Hammers locked in a relegation battle to stay in the Premier League
Karren Brady has stepped down from her role at West Ham(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
Baroness Karren Brady has stepped down from her role at West Ham after 16 years.
The Hammers are currently locked in a relegation battle, earning a huge point on Monday evening against Crystal Palace to move two points clear of 18th place Tottenham. In a statement to The Times, Brady said: “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. 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 first started working in football in 1993, when started work as managing director of Birmingham City. She left Birmingham two months after David Sullivan and David Gold sold the club in 2009, before being installed by the pair as vice-chairman of West Ham.
Brady was responsible for negotiating a move on behalf of West Ham to move from Upton Park to the London Stadium after the Olympics.
She had also proposed a name change to West Ham Olympic, but that was shot down by Gold.
Speaking about the move, Brady said: “We are ambitious for our great club and aim to set the benchmark for visiting away and neutral supporters from across the globe to come and enjoy the iconic Stadium and be part of our Premier League club experience.”
However, she was criticised for her other comments about the move, where she declared it was a chance to “a chance to rebrand the club”.
The news comes with Brady in Paris, shooting for an upcoming series of The Apprentice. 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.”
And Hammers joint-chair, Daniel Kretinsky, 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.”
