West Ham hire ex-Hashtag United chief as interim CEO after Karren Brady quits | OneFootball

Karim Virani returns for second stint with Irons after spells at Rangers and in non-league

West Ham have appointed Karim Virani as interim CEO following the departure of Baroness Karren Brady.

Virani was a board member at non-league Hashtag United, founded by YouTube star Spencer Carmichael-Brown and rejoins West Ham after previously leading the club’s digital, marketing and commercial operation between 2015 and 2020. He also spent two years as Rangers’ chief commercial officer.

The move to appoint Virani comes after Brady stepped down as vice-chair of the east London club after 16 years last week.

West Ham remain mired in a relegation battle, sitting just two points clear of the drop zone with four matches left to play in the Premier League, and Virani has committed to supporting Nuno Espirito Santo as he looks to avoid the drop.

“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 Espírito Santo and his players as they look to finish the season positively.

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

David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold added in a joint statement: “(Virani) brings great experience, expertise, vision and leadership, along with a deep understanding and knowledge of West Ham United, making him the perfect candidate to lead the Club’s day-to-day operation during this interim period.”