Baroness Karren Brady steps down as West Ham vice-chair after 16 years
Brady oversaw West Ham’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, beating out competition from Tottenham to secure the loan, as well as overseeing Declan Rice’s £105m transfer to Arsenal.
During this period the club has also enjoyed success in Europe, reaching the Europa League semi-finals in 2021-22 and winning the 2022-23 Europa Conference League, its first major trophy since 1980.
West Ham have spent 14 consecutive seasons in the Premier League but are in danger of relegation to the Championship and sit just two points ahead of Tottenham in 18th with five games to play.
Some West Ham fans have frequently protested against Brady and co-owner Sullivan, including during the 2025–26 season, with their complaints including dissatisfaction with on-field performances and the stadium.
West Ham joint-chairman Daniel Kretinsky hinted at opposition to Brady while praising his work at the club.
Kretinsky said: “His contribution to the growth of West Ham United, such as the long-term contract for the London Stadium, the shareholder transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, was absolutely significant and not always fully appreciated.” he said.
“Karren is also very much appreciated within the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our club there.”
Joint chairman Sullivan, who previously owned Birmingham City and appointed Brady as chief executive in 1993 when he was 23, hailed him as “an outstanding leader” and “a key figure in the development of the club”.
