Karren Brady has stepped down as vice-chair of West Ham after 16 years, according to reports. Nathan Thompson has stepped down as CEO after nine and a half years, according to reports. This dual departure marks a significant shift in the club's executive structure.
The 'No More BS' campaign by dissenting West Ham fans is celebrating Brady's departure but will continue pushing for change until David Sullivan also leaves, multiple reports indicate. David Sullivan is not leaving West Ham yet, according to major media. Many West Ham fans disliked Karren Brady and her dealings with supporters, major media reports. The West Ham Independent Supporters' Committee stated they see this as a positive move for the club, while Hammers United described the club as feeling hollowed out and said supporters were spoken at, not spoken with.
The club feels hollowed out.
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is increasing his stake in West Ham by buying a chunk of the Gold family's shares, major media reports. Kretinsky's increased stake will create an equal partnership with David Sullivan in the boardroom, according to major media. David Sullivan had first refusal on the Gold family's shares after David Gold's death in January 2023, major media reports. Rothschild & Co led a process to find investors for the Gold family's shares, with third parties interested, according to major media.
Daniel Kretinsky is secretive, unapproachable, and rarely speaks in public, major media reports. His specific plans for the club and the exact size of the stake he is buying from the Gold family remain unknown.
Supporters were spoken at, not spoken with.
West Ham is fighting for survival in the Premier League relegation battle, reports indicate. The club is in 17th place in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone, according to reports. Five rounds remain in the Premier League season. This precarious position adds urgency to the leadership changes.
Karren Brady led negotiations for West Ham's move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016, major media reports. This controversial relocation remains a key part of her legacy at the club. Whether David Sullivan will eventually leave West Ham as fans demand, and how the boardroom dynamic will change with Kretinsky's increased stake, are further unknowns.