(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media)

West Ham: Daniel Kretinsky lands extra £1.2bn amid takeover latest

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

07 May 2026, 10:54 am

West Ham United co-owner Daniel Kretinsky has seen his fortune increase by more than £1.2billion over the past year.

The Czech billionaire’s company – Energeticky a Prumyslovy Holding – controls £22.8bn worth of assets across energy, retail, media and logistics.

Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index has revealed Kretinsky has seen his personal wealth surge by £1.21bn over the past year to £8.88bn, making him the 280th richest person in the world.

The 50-year-old bought a 27 per cent stake in the Hammers for around £170million in 2021 and was initially expected to pursue a full takeover further down the line.

Kretinsky is yet to attempt to take control of West Ham, but he is looking to have more influence on matters at the London Stadium after recently taking up a role as joint-chair alongside David Sullivan and Vanessa Gold.

How Daniel Kretinsky is looking to increase his West Ham stake

Karren Brady’s recent exit as West Ham’s vice-chair has led to speculation around the club’s leadership moving forward.

The 57-year-old spent 16 years with the Hammers, having joined 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

West Ham’s board following the recent leadership changes

Brady was responsible for all non-footballing matters at the London Stadium, with Karim Virani returning to the club as interim chief executive to fill the void left by the former vice-chair in the short term.

It is understood Sullivan and Kretinsky have held talks around purchasing some of the Gold family’s shares to become equal partners.

Sullivan is currently the largest shareholder with a 38.8 per cent stake, while Kretinsky still owns 27 per cent and the Gold family’s shares are worth 25.1 per cent.

Reports have suggested Amanda Staveley is getting a consortium together to bid for either West Ham or Newcastle United, but it’s so far unclear whether either deal is a possibility.

Why on-field matters are West Ham's immediate focus

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 Irons dropped back into the relegation zone following their 3-0 defeat against Brentford last weekend, while fellow strugglers Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.