In 16 years Karren Brady drove lasting change at West Ham. Her legacy will prove divisive

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During her time as vice-chair of the Premier League side, she presided over the controversial switch from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016 (the home of the 2012 Olympic Games), saw West Ham win the 2023 Conference League, their first major trophy since 1980, and was involved in Declan Rice’s £105million ($141.69m) sale to Arsenal three years ago. Brady is also known for her role as Lord Alan Sugar’s advisor on the television show The Apprentice. Brady joined West Ham in January 2010 after David Sullivan, who became the majority shareholder, purchased the club along with David Gold in 2010. They had previously worked together at Birmingham City, where Brady was appointed managing director aged 23. Brady has remained committed until the end with her work at West Ham and was involved in the recruitment process for a new director of football. Sources with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, say plans were initially underway to appoint a director of football in December, but this was vetoed by Brady and other board members. Brady wanted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who succeeded Graham Potter in late September, to oversee his first transfer window. She felt any external hires would unsettle the team and the situation should be reassessed towards the latter stages of the season. Before Brady’s departure, she was involved in interviewing candidates for the director of football position. Brady got on well with Nuno and wanted to leave with things in place ahead of the summer transfer window. After the 1-0 victory against Fulham last month, the Portuguese was embraced by Brady and her husband, the former footballer Paul Peschisolido. Crysencio Summerville’s goal sealed that win and in the weeks after, Brady made preparations to address his future. Summerville, whose deal expires in the summer of 2029, joined from Leeds United in August 2024 and has registered five goals and one assist in 26 league appearances. Brady wanted to offer the 24-year-old winger an improved deal at the end of the season to reflect his importance, contingent on the club avoiding relegation. It is just another example of Brady thinking long-term despite her impending departure. Sources say the club is swiftly looking to create a CEO or managing director role for her replacement. There is no red carpet exit for Brady. No impassioned farewell speech to the London Stadium faithful. No personalised video packages chronicling her best moments. She departs with a 95-word statement and tributes from Sullivan and joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky. “Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the club’s development over the years,” said Sullivan. “We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.” In his tribute, Kretinsky noted that Brady’s work was not always appreciated by sections of the fanbase. “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,” he said. “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.” Other departures have followed, with Nathan Thompson, the executive director, stepping down with immediate effect. Financial director Andy Mollett will retire at the end of the season. Tara Warren, Brady’s trusted No 2, resigned from her role as executive director in December. In light of Brady’s exit, sources with knowledge of the situation say Sullivan has no plans to step down and remains fully committed. The 77-year-old, who owns 38.8 per cent of the club, and Kretinsky who owns 27 per cent (via 1890s Holdings), are in the process of purchasing shares from Vanessa Gold — the daughter of the late David Gold. She inherited 25.1 per cent after his passing in January 2023. The deal is expected to be completed in a month’s time, which would bring Sullivan and Kretinsky to just over 40 per cent each. The pair also have a joint-option to purchase more of Gold’s shares. “This must now be a turning point — not a rebrand,” said West Ham United’s Fan Advisory Board. “Deep leadership issues remain at the club however. West Ham United needs leadership that respects supporters as stakeholders, restores transparency, and rebuilds trust through action, not words. “Her (Brady’s) time at the club will not be judged by corporate messaging, but by the lived experience of supporters. On that measure, her legacy is deeply damaging. The move to the London Stadium was sold as progress. We were told ‘we had no choice, we had to move in order to compete’. For many, it has delivered the opposite — a dilution of identity, atmosphere and belonging. Many supporters will conclude that, in this respect, the club’s leadership has fallen short.” It is routine for some West Ham fans to sing “sack the board” during games. But this season many chanted expletives during fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace. Some also voiced their disgust during the protests in September. A common frustration stems from Brady overseeing the controversial switch from Upton Park to the 62,000-seater London Stadium, a decision that, 10 years later, still polarises opinion. Supporters have previously voiced their frustrations about the withdrawal of concession ticket prices in bands one to four, which were later restored. In February, West Ham announced they lost £104.2m ($140.6m) pre-tax, the worst financial result in their 130-year history. In March 2018, supporter Paul Colborne protested against the board by invading the pitch during a league game against Burnley and planting the corner flag in the centre circle. “Moving to the Olympic Stadium was pivotal for us in order to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea,” Brady said in 2016. “Having a bigger stadium allows you to grow your brand globally and there’s some fantastic stadiums in the country but there’s only one Olympic Stadium and I think that’s absolutely fantastic. It feels like a cup final every single week but I feel what was really important for us was that we didn’t forget our past and we have brought that with us in our future which is why we have a Bobby Moore stand, Sir Trevor Brooking Stand and we’ve identified all the iconic players who played for West Ham in the past and brought them to life in the concourses and lounges. “We haven’t forgotten where we came from, and we’re looking up not down. I saw Barry Fry (the director of football at Peterborough United) when he went to a West Ham game and afterwards he walked out of the stadium and said, ‘I can’t believe anyone could do this. In fact no one could have achieved this other than you’. “When I decided I wanted to go for the Olympic Stadium, I had to convince David Gold because he wasn’t convinced at the time. And it’s very important that when you’re running a business that you do have a vision, that you then take responsibility for delivering. Hopefully now we can fulfil all the ambitions of the West Ham supporters.” Brady witnessed special nights at the London Stadium, particularly the Europa League last-16 win over Sevilla in 2022. But to many that feels like a distant memory with the club embroiled in a relegation battle. Of all the managers Brady worked with, she was very fond of David Moyes, now manager of Everton. They had a good working relationship and the 62-year-old regularly kept Brady in the loop. But she was also known for being ruthless to deal with. In 2015, she said publicly that Sam Allardyce was underachieving as manager. Before Moyes replaced Manuel Pellegrini in December 2019, the Chilean wanted to be informed of his dismissal in person but Brady opted against this approach. So what now? She will continue to spend time with daughter Sophia, her grandchildren and son, Paolo, before deciding on her next challenge. After 16 years Brady leaves an indelible mark on the history of West Ham United, and her legacy will doubtless continue to be contested. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms