Karren Brady announces decision to step down from role at West Ham after 16 years

An end of an era as Baroness Karren Brady announces the decision to step down from her role as Vice-Chair at West Ham United.

She leaves with five Premier League games remaining, and the Hammers sitting 17th with 33 points from 33 games played, two points above the drop zone.

The Apprentice star says she is now turning her focus onto business interests and the role as a member of the House of Lords.

Club Statement: Baroness Karren Brady Announces Departure from West Ham United

— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 21, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Baroness Karren Brady, Vice-Chair of West Ham United, has today announced her decision to step down from her role at the Club.

Reflecting on her tenure, Baroness Brady said: “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.”

In her 16 years as Vice-Chair, Baroness Brady led the negotiations to secure the Club’s move to the London Stadium, overseeing and driving the process that delivered the transition to a 62,500-capacity stadium. Under her leadership, West Ham United built a season ticket base of more than 50,000 supporters and now regularly records attendances among the highest in world football, reinforcing the Club’s standing both globally and within the Premier League.

Looking ahead, Baroness Brady will continue to focus on her broader business interests, including non-executive roles, contributions in the House of Lords, mentoring, and leadership initiatives, as well as continuing her longstanding role on television series The Apprentice.

She added: “While this chapter closes, my passion for football and commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders remains undiminished. I wish West Ham United every success for the future and look forward to following their continued achievements with pride.”

Joint-Chair Daniel Křetínský said: “I want to thank Karren most sincerely for our collaboration since 2021 and for all the work she has done in the past for 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. Karren is also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our Club there. I wish her the best of luck in all future activities.”

Joint-Chair David Sullivan said: “Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the Club’s development over the years. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.”

Video resurfaces of what West Ham promised fans when they moved to the London Stadium

Here’s the fan reaction after Karren Brady announces the decision to step down from her role at West Ham after 16 years…

@jaymeeteewhu98: I felt slightly disappointed after last nights goalless draw, but I’ll take it now as just over 12hrs later the club gets the first stage of being freed. Just Sullivan to sell up and clear off! Have a great day everyone! 😁⚒️🫧

@Niv_vered123: Finally my club is starting to heal ⚒️⚒️

@Jack_Heffer02: Massive moment for the football club.

@ClaretMemberRep: Excellent start, more good news needed. An obscene amount of wealth has been accumulated over the past 16yrs by our Board. At the expense of West Ham United, the club, the community, its identity and heritage. Asset stripped and near relegation, the resignations have begun. ⚒️

@vi0letb0nes: Oh my god this makes me so happy

@AlfieJohns25061: YESSSSSSSSS GREAT NEWS! 1 DOWN 1 TO GO. People thought the protests wouldn’t work. Let’s keep going and get Sullivan out next. @HammersUnited2 well done to all involved ⚒️⚒️

@danruffle93: Please let the door hit you on your way out !!

@JordanBurdall6: One down one to go!!!

@BubbleNeal: The best thing to happen at West Ham this season

@SaveConcessions: The damage caused to our club by Brady and Co may never be fully repaired, but this is a step in the right direction. I note she leaves before the end of the season, too. If we get relegated, YOU are still to blame, Brady. Nothing changes that.

@tomrenniesoccer: Goodbye and good riddance to Karren Brady. Her legacy is the botched move to the Olympic Stadium, hated by the majority of the fan base, with no plan to fix obvious problems. During her time, West Ham have been one of the worst run clubs in the country.

@SimonPeterGreen: shame @karren_brady has resigned from @WestHam – not sure many fans knew how she battled behind the scenes with the LS landlords who always try to turn us over. and a champion for women in the game all the best for the future guess we will get some exec from disney instead #coyi

Reported this around Karren Brady’s resignation in February when she made her decision, remains true today #COYI pic.twitter.com/FcmGOSDxVa

— George Simms (@GeorgeRSimms) April 21, 2026

That’s a huge step in the right direction!
Terrible at her job that she’s paid far too much money for & Constantly embarrassing the fanbase while condescending towards us.

Good riddance & now we just need Sulli out!#SBOUT https://t.co/RK0LK4HXs1 pic.twitter.com/a7rtF1UGiX

— WHUFC_⚒️_Sloth (@WhufcSloth) April 21, 2026