New West Ham CEO Karim Virani issues first message just days after Karren Brady exit

Her departure left a void on the Hammers’ board that Virani has now filled on a short-term basis.

Virani has already delivered his first message as interim CEO in a club statement on Wednesday morning.

BREAKING NEWS! 🚨 How do you feel about West Ham appointing Karim Virani?

Virani joins as interim CEO following Karren Brady’s exit…

West Ham appoint Karim Virani as interim CEO

West Ham have described Virani as a “highly respected figure” in football, with vast experience in several roles.

Virani led the club’s digital, marketing, and commercial teams between 2015 and 2020 before leaving to set up his own agency.

Furthermore, he was Chief Commercial Officer of Rangers from 2023 to 2025 and has also held a role at Hashtag United.

Virani now returns to the London Stadium with a “proven track record for delivering consistent and lasting commercial growth.”

West Ham will be hoping he can build on Brady’s significant contributions in that department.

“I am proud and honoured to be returning to West Ham United, a Club I have a deep affinity and admiration for,” Virani said in his statement on whufc.com.

“This is a massive football club, with incredibly loyal and passionate supporters, a hugely talented and dedicated group of players, coaches and staff, a proud and unique heritage, and an ambition to be as successful as possible, both on and off the pitch.

“I am determined to do everything I can to help the Club achieve our objectives, with the absolute priority and focus of everyone here right now on supporting Nuno Espirito Santo and his players as they look to finish the season positively.”

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Virani then vowed not to distract the players and staff from their ongoing relegation battle, with just four games to go.

“In recent weeks and months, Nuno, his coaches, the players, staff and our supporters have shown great commitment and collective spirit to help improve our position in the Premier League,” he added.

“We have a mission to achieve between now and the end of the season, and nothing will distract us from that.”

Finally, Virani outlined the core values that he would like to remain the “bedrock” of the football club throughout his tenure as CEO.

He wrote: “West Ham United is a club built on working-class values of hard work, honesty, commitment and togetherness – and those values must continue to be the bedrock of everything we do in the coming weeks and beyond.”