Baroness Karen Brady has announced that she is stepping down from her role at West Ham after 16 years. The prominent businesswoman will now focus on other businesses and her role in the House of Lords. Her departure follows widespread outcry from West Ham supporters over the club’s disappointing performance on and off the pitch. The Hammers currently sit 17th in the Premier League, two points out of the relegation zone.
“It has been a pleasure working with the West Ham United board, management, players, staff and supporters,” the 57-year-old said in a statement to The Times. “We have achieved great milestones together, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy. That moment will stay with me forever. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that shaped my time at the club.”
“While this chapter is coming to a close, my passion for football and my determination to support the next generation of leaders remains undiminished. I wish West Ham United every success in the future and look forward to watching their continued achievements with pride.”
Brady, who is one of Sir Alan Sugar’s advisers on the hit TV show The Apprentice, first joined West Ham in 2010. Her appointment comes a year after she oversaw the £80m sale of Birmingham City.
She played a key role in the club’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, seeing off competition from Tottenham to secure a tenant for the London 2012 Olympic venue.
Following her departure, David Sullivan said: “Karen is an exceptional leader and has been a key figure in the development of the club over many years. We wish her every success in her future endeavors and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.”
Co-chair Danielle Klentinski added: “I would like to sincerely thank Karen for her cooperation with us since 2021 and for all the work she has done for the club to date.”
“Her contribution to West Ham United’s growth, including the long-term deal at the London Stadium, the shareholder transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, has been absolutely vital but not always fully appreciated.
“Karen is also highly regarded in the Premier League coaching community and has been an excellent representative for our club there.
“We wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.”
