Baroness Karren Brady has stepped down from her role as West Ham United’s vice-chair.
The Times report that the British businesswoman has left the club after 16 years.
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Brady, also known for being one of Sir Alan Sugar’s assistants on The Apprentice, was a huge reason West Ham left Upton Park and went to the London Stadium, a move that has proven to be very unpopular.
Her departure marks the end of her business relationship with West Ham’s owner David Sullivan.
Brady first started working Sullivan nearly 40 years ago when she persuade him to buy Birmingham City and became managing director in 1993.
In a statement released 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.”
Sullivan also provided a statement in which he 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.”
The 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.
“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.”
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West Ham are still fighting for their Premier League survival with five games left to go.
The Hammers are two points clear of Tottenham in 18th.
talkSPORT verdict
talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook jumped onto Breakfast this morning to discuss Brady’s shock departure.
He said: “I first started to hear whispers about this a couple of months ago – it was denied by the club. They said it was very much business as usual.
“But this has been a decision that has been in the offing for some time now – 16 years Karren Brady has been at West Ham United as vice-chair.
“I guess her legacy will be overseeing the controversial move from Upton Park to the London Stadium. They have won a European trophy.
“But she has been a divisive character, alongside David Sullivan. There have been big protests from West Ham fans against the two outside of the stadium this season, and I guess she’s decided she’s had enough of those protests.
“I think her departure will be celebrated by West Ham supporters, but there is no question she’s been a standard-bearer for women in football and has held a very senior position at a top Premier League club for a long time.”
Regarding the timing with the Hammers embroiled in a relegation battle, Crook said: “I’ve not yet got any clarity from the club regarding the timing.
“But they are in a better position now than they were a few weeks ago when these rumours first surfaced – it was February when someone first gave me the nod when they were very much deep in relegation danger at that point.
“They’ve climbed out of the bottom three, though, it wasn’t the most inspiring performance last night, but they are two points clear of Spurs, so maybe she is thinking it is better to walk away when they are out of the relegation zone than when they are bang in trouble.
“It’s still going to be a fight for West Ham, it looks like a shootout between them and Tottenham for that final relegation place.”
talkSPORT understands that West Ham will wait to confirm her replacement until they find out what division they are in.
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What’s next for Brady?
In an official statement from West Ham, the club confirmed that the 57-year-old would focus on her own business interests.
She also has a place in the House of Lords and plenty of non-executive roles away from football.
In the statement, the club praised her for securing the move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.
They also mentioned the fact the club has more than 50,000 season ticket holders and regularly boasts one of the biggest attendances in world football.
