Businesswoman Karren Brady has risen to the heights of success as a sporting director for top British clubs. From Birmingham City FC to West Ham United, Karren has made her mark as the first female to hold a management position in topflight football. Also a well-known face of British television, Karren is now highly sought as a speaker for public and corporate events. As a speaker, she is hired to share the tales of her successful career, along with tips on the key ingredients for success and how to turn a failing business into a success.
Karren is best known for the time she spent as the Managing Director of Birmingham City Football Club. Her appointment at the club sparked great attention, becoming the first female to be appointed such a role in a male-dominated sector. Since then, Karren is also well known for being the Vice Chairman of West Ham United Football Club and featuring on The Apprentice. Sitting alongside business magnate Lord Alan Sugar, as the interviewer in many series before becoming Lord Sugar’s new assistant.
Before reaching the heights of fame, Karren began her career as a trainee with Saatchi & Saatchi. Determined to make her mark in the world, Karren later joined as an advertising account executive at the London Broadcasting Company where she caught the attention of David Sullivan. The owner of Daily Sport and Sunday Sport, David was impressed with Karren’s business abilities and offered her a role as a Director of Sport Newspapers. Karren ultimately persuaded David Sullivan to purchase Birmingham City Football Club, and aged just 23 Karren became the Managing Director.
Currently, Karren is acting as the Vice-Chairman of West Ham United FC amongst other business commitments. Karren has also formerly worked as the Chairman of Kerrang!, a Non-Executive Director of Channel 4, in a non-executive position at Mothercare and on the boards of Sport England and Taveta Investments. Karren has also dedicated her time to being an Ambassador of Barclay Life Skills, an Ambassador for Well Being for Women and a Patron of the Life After Stroke Awards. Karren is also involved in politics, being appointed Life Peer Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge in the City of Westminster and Small Business Ambassador for the UK Government.
Throughout her career, Karren has served as an inspiration to many and claimed countless awards. She has been awarded Cosmopolitan’s Women of the Year 2006 and Revitalise Businesswoman of the Year 2007. She has also claimed the NatWest Spirit of Everywoman Award in 2008 and recognised as the 2012 CEO of the Year at the Football Business Awards. Publications such as The Sunday Telegraph and Woman’s Hour have recognised Karren as one of the Most Powerful Women in Britain and the United Kingdom, and she has also been recognised in Debrett’s Top 500 Most Influential and Inspirational People in Britain.
Outside of her business ventures, Karren is a popular choice as a speaker for corporate and public events. Having worked a highly successful career, Karren has learnt various life and professional lessons that give her the perfect anecdotes to speak on as a keynote. With previous clients including the likes of Capital One and Costa Coffee, Karren Brady is the perfect choice for a range of events.
Most recently, Karren Brady was inducted into the Top Speakers to Book for International Women's Day, celebrating her successful career within a male-dominated industry.
In December 2023 Karren Brady conducted a Keynote Speech on her top tips for success in business. Watch the Speech from Karren Brady here.
