Baroness Karren Brady Ends 16-Year Tenure as West Ham Vice-Chair Amid Relegation Threat

Baroness Karren Brady has stepped down from her role as vice-chair of West Ham United after 16 years with the club, ending a 40-year professional relationship with joint-chair David Sullivan.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with Brady stating in a release to The Times that it had been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United, and that she wished the club every success for the future.

Brady, 57, played a key role in West Ham’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium and was instrumental in negotiating the long-term contract for the stadium, the shareholders’ transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice.

David Sullivan praised Brady as an exceptional leader and a key figure in the club’s development over the years, thanking her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years and wishing her success in her future endeavours.

Daniel Kretinsky, Royal Mail majority shareholder and co-chair, added that Brady’s contribution to West Ham United’s growth had been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated, noting her high regard within the Premier League leadership community and wishing her the best in all future activities.

West Ham United are currently looking to survive the threat of relegation this season, marking the club’s 10th year at the 62,500-seat London Stadium.

Brady began her football career as managing director of Birmingham City at the age of 23, overseeing the club’s sale for £80 million over 15 years ago, a transaction she had persuaded Sullivan to pursue before joining West Ham in 2010.

She has also been an influential figure in the Houses of Lords, making key interventions in the debate and establishment of the Independent Football Regulator.