West Ham United have officially and discreetly confirmed the club’s new board structure following the departure of joint-chair David Sullivan – and it addresses claims that his sons could replace him.
It is all change at West Ham of late and none bigger than the announcement on Saturday that David Sullivan is resigning after 16-and-a-half years at the helm.
First the Hammers released a statement making the announcement, before the man himself put out his own personal 494-word missive.
West Ham confirm new board structure after Sullivan exit
Sullivan set the record straight on whether he could return to West Ham one day in the future.
Prior to his departure Sullivan was joint-chair with Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold.
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Sullivan out at all costs? Or has the Czech ship sailed?
While Sullivan’s exit has been widely hailed as welcome news by disgruntled supporters, there have been misgivings over claims his sons Dave and Jack could replace him on the board.
The likes of The Guardian and The Times have stated the Sullivan brothers have had influence in decision-making in recent years.
Given Sullivan still owns his stake in the club despite resigning, supporters have been concerned Sullivan’s sons will now merely continue where their father left off in the running of the club.
But the Hammers have wasted little time in clarifying the situation, albeit without making a song and dance of it.
West Ham have officially confirmed the new board structure after claims the Sullivan brothers will replace their father.
No place for Sullivan brothers in new West Ham board structure – yet
And those who were against that prospect will be happy, because there is no mention of Dave or Jack in the new setup.
Under the Ownership tab in the Corporate Information section of the club’s official website, Sullivan remains majority stakeholder with 38.8 per cent.
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Kretinsky’s 1890s holdings a.s holds 27 per cent while Vanessa Gold on behalf of the Family Trust has 25.1 per cent.
WHU LLC, owned ultimately by J Albert ‘Tripp’ Smith, holds an 8 per cent stake.
Other investors hold just 1.1 per cent between them.
But notably there is no mention of Jack or Dave Sullivan under the club’s updated Board section under the Who’s Who tab.
Sullivan’s name has been erased with Kretinsky and Gold listed as joint-chairs.
Recently appointed Karim Virani is next to be listed as Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Andy Mollett is confirmed as the club’s Chief Financial Officer while Tripp Smith and Daniel Harris are named as non-executive directors.
West Ham’s updated new board structure post Sullivan:
- Daniel Křetínský Joint-Chair
- Vanessa Gold Joint-Chair
- Karim Virani Interim Chief Executive Officer
- Andy Mollett Chief Financial Officer
- J Albert Smith Non-Executive Director
- Daniel Harris Non-Executive Director
That would appear to allay fan concerns Dave and Jack Sullivan will simply replace their father’s say on all matters West Ham.
Although it may be red tape which is preventing Dave and Jack being named on the board until Sullivan decides whether to sell or pass on his share to his sons and have that officially ratified and transferred across.
Whether Sullivan intends to do either remains to be seen.
But Kretinsky’s exciting West Ham masterplan has been leaked and it reportedly includes buying out the Sullivans completely.
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