West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady steps down after 16 years

Brady leaves after 16 years at the east London club. Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images Share article4Karren Brady, vice-chair of West Ham United, has stepped down after 16 years at the club. The 57-year-old ends her role with immediate effect at the Premier League club, where she was a key figure alongside chairman David Sullivan and behind a number of decisions including the move from Upton Park to London Stadium in 2016. She had previously worked with Sullivan at Birmingham City before he appointed her at West Ham after purchasing the club in 2010. In recent years Brady has the been the target of supporter criticism amid poor performance on the field and equally concerning financial results off it. “It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United,” Brady said via a club statement on Tuesday. “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.” 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.” Daniel Kretinsky, the club’s joint-chair, 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.” West Ham are currently 17th in the Premier League, two points above Tottenham Hotspur and the relegation zone, with five rounds of matches remaining. The east-London club have spent 14 successive seasons in England’s top flight. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms