Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold dies aged 62
Ann Summers CEO Jacqueline Gold has died at the age of 62.
The businesswoman died on Thursday evening after seven years of treatment for breast cancer.
Gold, who spent decades advocating for women in business, had husband Dan, daughter Scarlett, sister Vanessa, and brother-in-law Nick, at her side yesterday.
Her family highlighted their ‘unspeakable sadness’ in a statement released this morning.
They said: ‘Jacqueline is best-known for founding Ann Summers and leading a business run by women, for women.
‘She was also an activist for women in business, and championed female entrepreneurs with the ambition to better the working environment for women.
‘From an internship to Chief Executive Officer in less than 10 years, her determination and commitment to creating a unique retail offering led to the creation of a multi-channel retail chain, consisting of retail stores, direct sales ambassadors, and a fast growing online and third-party business.
‘It is her vision and creativity that saw Ann Summers grow from an unknown brand to a British household name and stable of the British high street.’
Her sister Vanessa added: ‘Jacqueline courageously battled stage four breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey.’
Gold was made an CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.
Ann Summers was named after Annice Summers, the female secretary of the company’s male founder, Michael Caborn-Waterfield.
The brand’s first shop was opened in 1970 in Marble Arch, London.
Gold’s father, David, died at the start of the year.
A lifelong West Ham supporter, he was a key part of the club’s takeover in 2010 alongside his co-chairman David Sullivan.
He worked alongside his daughter to grow the Ann Summers brand.
At the time, a statement from West Ham read: ‘It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that our beloved Joint-Chairman David Gold passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness.
‘David Gold, 86, died peacefully with his devoted daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley, by his side.’
The club has also paid tribute to Jacqueline Gold in a Tweet today.
A tweet read: ‘Everyone at West Ham United has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jacqueline Gold CBE.’
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