Baroness Karren Brady has officially stepped down from her role as vice-chair of West Ham United, concluding a significant 16-year tenure with the Premier League club. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the 57-year-old executive.

Beyond her contributions to football, Baroness Brady is widely recognized by the public for her prominent position as an adviser to Lord Sugar on the popular BBC reality show 'The Apprentice.' Her departure comes at a crucial time for West Ham, as the east London club currently finds itself engaged in a battle to avoid relegation, sitting just two points above 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur with five matches remaining in the current season.

Karren Brady initially took up her position with West Ham following the club's acquisition by David Gold and David Sullivan. Prior to this, she held the role of managing director at Birmingham City, a club also purchased by Sullivan.

In a statement regarding her exit, Brady expressed her gratitude, stating, "It has been a privilege to work alongside the Board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United. Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy – a moment that will stay with me forever. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my time at the club."

Among the notable achievements during Brady's long tenure was the club's momentous relocation from their historic home at Upton Park to the London Stadium, which was originally constructed as the flagship venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Brady further added, "While this chapter closes, my passion for football and commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders remains undiminished. I wish West Ham United every success for the future and look forward to following their continued achievements with pride."

David Sullivan, the chairman of West Ham United, lauded Brady as an "exceptional leader." He commented, "We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years." This story was compiled with information contributed by PA.