Virani 'honoured' to make West Ham return as interim CEO

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West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Karim Virani as the club's interim chief executive officer.

The decision comes after Baroness Karren Brady stepped down from her position as vice-chair after 16 years of service last week, with the Hammers' still fighting to avoid top-flight relegation this season.

It will be Virani's second spell at the club, having previously led their digital, marketing and commercial operations between 2015 and 2020.

He will also be leaving his role as a board member at non-league club Hashtag United, having accepted the role after spending two years as Rangers' chief commercial officer.

In a club statement, Virani said: "I am proud and honoured to be returning to West Ham United, a club I have a deep affinity and admiration for.

"This is a massive football club with incredibly loyal and passionate supporters, a hugely talented and dedicated group of players and coaches, a proud and unique heritage and an ambition to be as successful as possible.

"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.

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

"This club is built on working-class values of hard work, honesty, commitment and togetherness. Those values must continue to be the bedrock of everything we do in the coming weeks and beyond."