The entrepreneur was best known for heading the lingerie and adult toy retailer which has more than 80 stores across the country
Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold has died aged 62 after a long-standing battle with cancer. Jacqueline died with her family by her side on Thursday evening, and was hailed by her sister as “warrior throughout”. 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.”
Gold was made an CBE in 2016 for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise. She died just two months after her father, David Gold, the joint-chairman of West Ham.
He passed on at the age of 85. Jacqueline’s sister, Vanessa, said in a heartfelt tribute: “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”. In 1981, Jacqueling joined Ann Summers on an internship. She soon made her mark and launched Ann Summers party to grow the brand. She went on to be made a company director before becoming its chief executive in 1987. Gold continued to lead the business, which has 81 stores across the country, in recent years as executive chair alongside her sister Vanessa, who is now chief executive officer.
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