Brady Steps Down as West Ham Vice-Chair
Baroness Karren Brady has resigned from her position as vice-chair of Premier League club West Ham United after serving for 16 years. Brady was appointed to the role in January 2010 by then joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, and officially left the club on 15 April.
In an interview with The Times, Brady revealed that she made the decision to step down in mid-February, having first begun considering it in January.
"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."
Key Contributions and Achievements
During her tenure, Brady played a pivotal role in several major developments for West Ham. She oversaw the club's relocation from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, successfully securing the tenancy over competition from Tottenham Hotspur. Additionally, she was instrumental in managing the club’s record-breaking transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million.
Under her leadership, West Ham also enjoyed European success, reaching the Europa League semi-finals in the 2021-22 season and winning the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League, which marked the club’s first major trophy since 1980.
West Ham have maintained their Premier League status for 14 consecutive seasons; however, the club currently faces the threat of relegation to the Championship, sitting just two points above 18th-placed Tottenham with five matches remaining in the season.
Supporter Sentiment and Club Leadership Comments
Throughout her time at West Ham, Brady and co-owner David Sullivan have faced criticism from some supporters. Protests against the pair have been frequent, particularly during the 2025-26 season, with grievances focusing on on-field performances and dissatisfaction related to the stadium.
West Ham’s joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky acknowledged the opposition Brady faced while commending her contributions to 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," Kretinsky said.
"Karren is also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our club there."
Joint-chair David Sullivan, who previously owned Birmingham City and appointed Brady as managing director there in 1993 when she was 23, praised her as an "exceptional leader" and a "key figure in the club's development."
Background
Before her role at West Ham, Brady served as managing director at Birmingham City, where she began her executive career.
