Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge CBE is a Peer in the House of Lords, appears alongside Lord Sugar as his advisor on the BBC’s hit show The Apprentice, and is one of the most influential figures in UK business.
Karren Brady previously served as Vice Chair of West Ham United, leaving in April 2026 after almost 35 years in English football. Awarded a CBE for her contribution to women in business and entrepreneurship, she continues to champion both through her parliamentary work and consultancy roles. Her numerous accolades include Businesswoman of the Year and recognition as one of the most powerful people in sport and one of Britain’s most inspirational women.
Karren is recognised as the first woman in football. She was Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club from 1993 until 2009 and, during that time, turned the Club’s fortunes around. She took over when Birmingham City was in administration and, in her first year at the helm, the Club recorded a financial trading profit. In 1996 the Club made an overall profit for the first time in modern history and in February 1997 she launched the Club on the Stock market; Karren was the youngest Managing Director of a PLC in the UK. In October 2009 Birmingham City FC was sold for £82million.
In January 2010, Karren was appointed Vice Chair of West Ham United FC. During her 16-year tenure, she grew all revenue streams exponentially, with overall income increasing by 300%. She led the negotiations to secure the Club’s move to the London Stadium and oversaw its transition to the 62,500-capacity venue, which was named Stadium of the Year in 2017. Under her leadership, West Ham built a season ticket base of more than 50,000 supporters and won the 2022-2023 UEFA Europa Conference League, the Club’s first major trophy in 43 years. The Club also reached a valuation of £1 billion, placing it 16th in the 2023/24 Forbes World’s Most Valuable Soccer Clubs list and was ranked in the top 20 most valuable clubs in the world by Delottie’s Money League (2025).
In December 2013, she was awarded a CBE for her contribution to women in business and
entrepreneurship; and the following August she became a Peer in House of Lords taking the title Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge CBE.
Karren is also an ambassador for WellChild, supporting children with serious and complex health needs and their families, and serves as the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Patron. She cochairs the Women and Work All-Party Parliamentary Group, which examines how government policy can support women in the workplace and improve gender balance across the economy, and is an avid supporter of Dress for Success, a charity which helps women achieve financial independence by supporting them into employment and helping them progress at work.
To enquire about or book Baroness Karren Brady for your event contact Arena Entertainment. Either send an email to info@arenaentertainments.co.uk or speak to one of our booking agents on 0113-239-2222.
