West Ham United appoint Karim Virani as interim CEO following Karren Brady's departure

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsMatch of the Decade?Mourinho to Real Makes SenseExploring Tottenham's FinancesWest Ham United appoint Karim Virani as interim CEO following Karren Brady’s departure Julian Finney via Getty Images Share article1West Ham United have appointed Karim Virani as interim Chief Executive Officer following Karren Brady’s departure as vice-chair. Brady stepped down from her role earlier this month after a 16-year spell. The Athletic previously reported that the club’s hierarchy were keen to make a swift appointment and had a CEO or managing director role in mind for Brady’s replacement. Virani, who worked at West Ham between 2015-2020 having previously led the digital, marketing and commercial operation, was a board member at non-league side Hashtag United in October 2025. He was also a commercial director at Rangers between August 2023 to February 2025. One of Virani’s many tasks will be boosting West Ham’s commercial growth. Nathan Thompson specialised in this area but he recently stepped down as executive director. Virani has previously held positions in sports, technology, financial services, telecommunications and broadcast sectors. Club Statement: Karim Virani appointed as interim CEO — West Ham United (@WestHam) April 29, 2026 “I am determined to do everything I can to help the club achieve our objectives, with the absolute priority and focus of everyone here right now on supporting Nuno Espírito Santo (the head coach) and his players as they look to finish the season positively,” Virani told the club’s official website. “In recent weeks and months, Nuno, his coaches, the players, staff and our supporters have shown great commitment and collective spirit to help improve our position in the Premier League. We have a mission to achieve between now and the end of the season and nothing will distract us from that.” Majority shareholder David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky, the joint-chair, and Vanessa Gold, a shareholder, added in a joint statement: “He (Virani) brings great experience, expertise, vision and leadership, along with a deep understanding and knowledge of West Ham United, making him the perfect candidate to lead the Club’s day-to-day operation during this interim period.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms