Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold dies at 62, weeks after death of father and West Ham owner, David Gold
Jacqueline Gold died surrounded by family
PA
Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold has died at the age of 62, her family has confirmed.
She died on Thursday evening after a seven year battle with breast cancer, with her sister calling her a "warrior throughout".
Gold was made an CBE in 2016 for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.
A statement from the businesswoman's family said: “It is with unspeakable sadness that Ann Summers confirm our amazing executive chair Jacqueline Gold CBE passed away yesterday evening with her husband Dan, daughter Scarlett, sister Vanessa, and brother-in-law Nick, by her side.
“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.
“In recognition of Jacqueline’s significant achievements during her 40-year career, she was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.”
Jacqueline's death comes two months after her father died at the age of 86.
PA
Her death comes just two months after her father, David Gold's passing.
The joint-chairman of West Ham died in Janaury at the age of 86.
Jacqueline’s sister, Vanessa, said: “Jacqueline courageously battled stage 4 breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey. In life she was a trailblazer, a visionary, and the most incredible woman, all of which makes this news that much harder to bear.
“As a family, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our wife, mum, sister, and best friend”.
Jacqueline joined Ann Summers In 1981 on an internship.
She then launched the Ann Summers party and grew the brand.
Ten years later she was made a director of the business and soon after was named chief executive officer.
She continued to lead the business, which has 81 stores, in recent years as executive chair alongside her sister Vanessa, who is now chief executive officer.