David Sullivan facing West Ham headache as another senior figure steps down after Karren Brady

David Sullivan is facing a headache around West Ham United’s leadership team after Nathan Thompson has stepped down from his role at the London Stadium. 

In a statement on Tuesday (21 April), the Hammers announced the 43-year-old has left his position as executive director of commercial, marketing, digital and content with immediate effect. 

Thompson, who has spent almost 10 years with West Ham, was promoted to the role last year, having previously operated as chief commercial officer.

The news comes after The Times reported on Tuesday Karren Brady has stepped down as the east London club’s vice-chair.

The sudden departures of two senior figures raises major questions around West Ham’s leadership moving forward. 

What does Karren Brady’s exit mean for West Ham?

Brady has spent the past 16 years operating as West Ham’s vice-chair, having joined the club following David Sullivan and the late David Gold’s takeover in 2010. 

The 57-year-old’s departure brings to an end her long-standing business relationship with Sullivan, who appointed her as Birmingham City’s managing director in 1993. 

Brady and Sullivan have faced calls from Hammers fans to leave the club for several years, having facilitated the controversial move from Upton Park to the 62,500-seater London Stadium in 2016. 

While the Irons previously enjoyed success under David Moyes – qualifying for European football three years in a row – results on the field over the past decade haven’t matched the promises made by the club’s hierarchy when they moved to Stratford.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 19 April Brady and Sullivan could both step down at the end of the season. 

While Brady’s departure has now been confirmed, there is no sign as of yet that Sullivan is ready to walk away.

The 77-year-old is the Hammers’ largest shareholder with a 38.8 per cent stake, while Daniel Kretinsky owns 27 per cent and the Gold family’s share is worth 25.1 per cent. 

Brady has been responsible for everything except the footballing side of matters at the London Stadium, leaving a huge void to fill heading into next season.

Meanwhile, Thompson’s departure means the Irons are now without an executive director after Tara Warren also stepped down in December following 16 years of service. 

Why West Ham are facing financial uncertainty

Alongside the decisions Sullivan has to make around the leadership team, the joint-chair will be fully aware West Ham’s financial situation must quickly improve.

It was recently revealed the Hammers posted a pre-tax loss of £104m last season, potentially having an impact on Brady’s decision to step down at the London Stadium. 

The financial uncertainty makes it even more important West Ham remain in the Premier League this season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit 17th in the top-flight table, two points above third-bottom Tottenham heading into the final five games of the campaign.

The Irons are set to host Everton at the London Stadium on Saturday (25 April), where they will be hoping to boost their survival hopes. 

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