Ex Rangers figure lands senior West Ham role as 'highly respected' powerbroker's Ibrox stint gets shoutout
The former Rangers figure will take on a key role behind the scenes at West Ham United.
A former Rangers figure has been appointed the interim Chief Executive Officer at Premier League side West Ham United.
The Hammers have been seeking reinforcement upstairs following the departure of Baroness Karren Brady. Karim Virani has landed the CEO role at a club he started out with as head of digital over a decade ago, joining Rangers in 2023 as chief commercial officer, departing in 2025. He now arrives as West Ham United strive to retain their top flight status in England with his Ibrox stint given a nod in the unveiling 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, coaches and staff, a proud and unique heritage, and an ambition to be as successful as possible, both on and off the pitch.
Who is West Ham United’s CEO?
“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. West Ham United is a club built on working-class values of hard work, honesty, commitment and togetherness – and those values must continue to be the bedrock of everything we do in the coming weeks and beyond.”
A statement reads: “West Ham United is pleased to confirm the appointment of Karim Virani as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A highly respected and experienced figure within the professional game, Virani returns to the Club having previously led the digital, marketing and commercial operation between 2015 and 2020.
Who is interim West Ham United Karim Virani?
“With a broad and established career across the sports, technology, financial services, telecommunications and broadcast sectors, he has held leadership positions at several global organisations and has a proven track record for delivering consistent and lasting commercial growth.
“Virani initially joined West Ham United as Head of Digital in November 2015 before becoming a vital member of the executive leadership team in his roles as Digital Director, Commercial Director and finally, Chief Commercial Officer. Since leaving London Stadium in December 2020, he has established his own successful sports marketing agency and, between 2023 and 2025, held the position of Chief Commercial Officer at Scottish Premiership club Rangers FC. He has also been appointed as a non-executive director on the board of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England and was a board member at non-league Hashtag United.”
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