Karren Brady has stepped down as vice chair of West Ham United after 16 years, the club said on Tuesday, ending a tenure defined by major commercial growth but also sustained criticism from supporters.
Brady joined the board in 2010 following the takeover led by co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, and played a central role in reshaping the club’s business operations.
One of the most significant developments during her time was West Ham’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016. The relocation increased the club’s matchday capacity to around 60,000, marking a major shift in scale and revenue potential.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United,” Brady said in a statement.
“Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy,” she added, referring to the club’s triumph in UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.
Despite those achievements, Brady’s time at the club divided opinion among fans. The move away from Upton Park, rising ticket prices and questions over how the club built on its European success all contributed to ongoing dissatisfaction in sections of the support.
Her departure comes at a difficult moment on the pitch. West Ham are currently 17th in the Premier League table, just two points above Tottenham Hotspur in the relegation zone, with the battle for survival intensifying.
Brady leaves behind a transformed commercial structure at the club, but her exit also reflects a period where progress off the field did not always align with expectations on it.
