David Sullivan makes new West Ham leadership decision after official documents filed
David Sullivan has made a leadership decision after Karim Virani has been confirmed as a new West Ham United director.
It was announced last week the 41-year-old has been appointed as the Hammers’ interim chief executive following the departure of former vice-chair Karren Brady.
A Companies House submission on Monday (4 May) has now revealed Virani has officially taken up a place on the board at the London Stadium.
The interim chief previously led the east London club’s digital, marketing and commercial operations between 2015 and 2020.
His return provides some short-term stability to West Ham’s leadership at a time when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are fighting to remain in the Premier League.
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Sullivan was provided with a headache following Brady’s surprise exit at the London Stadium last month.
The 57-year-old spent 16 years at West Ham, having joined the club in 2010 following Sullivan and the late David Gold’s takeover.
| West Ham Board Members | Role |
| David Sullivan | Joint-Chair |
| Daniel Kretinsky | Joint-Chair |
| Vanessa Gold | Joint-Chair |
| Karim Virani | Interim Chief Executive Officer |
| Andy Mollett | Chief Financial Officer (Retiring) |
| Albert “Tripp” Smith | Non-Executive Director |
| Daniel Harris | Non-Executive Director |
Brady was responsible for all non-footballing matters at the London Stadium, leaving a significant void to fill.
That has led to Sullivan, who is the Hammers’ majority shareholder, taking the decision to bring Virani back following spells with Scottish giants Rangers and non-league Hashtag United.
Daniel Kretinsky will also have been involved in the interim CEO’s appointment as he looks to take more control of matters in east London.
In the statement confirming Virani’s return, Sullivan, Kretinsky and fellow shareholder Vanessa Gold were all named as joint-chairs.
Sullivan currently holds a 38.8 per cent stake, while Kretinsky owns 27 per cent and Gold’s share is worth 25.1 per cent.
Why West Ham could be set for another leadership change
There could soon be more changes to the leadership structure at the London Stadium following recent media reports.
It is understood Sullivan and Kretinsky have held talks around purchasing some of Gold’s shares to become equal partners.
However, the immediate focus for West Ham’s hierarchy is doing all they can to help the club remain in the Premier League this season.
The Hammers dropped back into the relegation zone following their 3-0 defeat against Brentford at the weekend, while Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa.
Nuno’s side are now one point from safety heading into their clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday (10 May).
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