The recently-vacanted, joint-chair role was finally filled at West Ham today, with former incumbent David Gold being succeeded by his daughter Vanessa.
The club announced on Thursday that Gold, 57, had been appointed to the board of directors and would take up her father’s former role with immediate effect.
“West Ham United is a club that means so much to me and my family,” said Gold. “My late father’s deep-rooted history and love of the club is well known and it will be an honour and privilege to continue our family legacy by joining the West Ham United Board, bringing my own experience and supporting the club and everyone associated with it in every way I can.”
Her new co-chair, David Sullivan, welcomed Gold to the club, while insisting that “Vanessa is already a familiar and loyal member of the West Ham family.”
Adding: “I am delighted to welcome Vanessa to the board of directors. [Her father] David and I were close friends and business partners for almost half a century and it is very reassuring to see David’s legacy continued in his name.
“West Ham United is a club built on strong family values and principles, and it is important that we continue to cherish that. We look forward to working together.”
Vanessa, the youngest of David Gold’s two daughters promised to continue the family legacy which began when her father and David Sullivan purchased the club in January 2010.
“It is now almost seven months since my beloved father passed away at the age of 86,” she said. “Soon after saying goodbye to DG, I tragically and suddenly lost my sister, Jacqueline – my best friend, my soul mate, my inspiration.
“So far, 2023 has been a year of indescribable pain for our family, the most devastating and heart-breaking period of my life. So, you can understand that, while taking on the role of joint-chair is one I’m honoured to fulfil, it’s also one that comes with a huge sadness, too.
“I wish, with all my heart, that DG and Jacqueline were still here, but I also know that as I now step into the role that my father carried out with such pride and dedication, he would be even prouder to see his legacy continued in our family name.
“And it is that legacy I promise to protect and uphold, and which inspires me to do everything I possibly can to help West Ham United build on the growth and success of recent years.”
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