Karren Brady has officially stepped down as vice-chair of West Ham United, bringing an end to a 16-year spell that helped shape one of the club’s most transformative — and controversial — eras.
The Baroness, who joined the Hammers in January 2010 under former joint-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, confirmed she left her role on 15 April, having made the decision earlier this year.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United,” Brady said. “Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy will always stand out.”
Brady’s tenure coincided with major structural and sporting changes at the club.
She played a central role in:
On the pitch, West Ham enjoyed a period of European resurgence:
The club has also maintained 14 consecutive Premier League seasons, although they currently face a relegation battle, sitting just two points above the drop zone with five games remaining.
Before West Ham, Brady built her reputation at Birmingham City, becoming managing director at just 23 and later the youngest managing director of a UK PLC.
Beyond football, she is widely known for:
Despite mixed reactions from supporters, Brady’s contribution has been strongly recognised at board level.
Joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky said:
“Her contribution to West Ham’s growth… has been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated.”
David Sullivan added:
“Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the club’s development.”
While Brady is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in football leadership, her legacy at West Ham remains deeply divisive.
The move from the historic Boleyn Ground to London Stadium remains a major point of contention among supporters, many of whom feel it distanced the club from its roots. Issues around atmosphere, stadium design, and on-field inconsistency have fueled ongoing protests against the ownership.
Brady, alongside Sullivan and the late David Gold, was central to that transition — a decision that continues to define her time at the club.
There is no denying the highs:
But for many fans, those achievements are overshadowed by:
Her departure comes at a tense moment, with West Ham fighting to avoid relegation — and may signal the end of a significant chapter in the club’s history.
