Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold dies aged 62
She was made a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours.
Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold has died at the age of 62, her family said.
The businesswoman died on Thursday evening after seven years of treatment for breast cancer.
Her sister Vanessa said: “Jacqueline courageously battled stage four breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey.
“As a family, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our wife, mum, sister, and best friend.”
Ms Gold was best known for leading lingerie brand Ann Summers and growing the retailer into a familiar sight on UK high streets.
The brand was developed by David and Ralph Gold, her father and uncle, after snapping up the retailer’s early business following liquidation in 1972.
In 1981, Jacqueline Gold first joined the business on an internship.
Around ten years later, Ms Gold was then made a director of the business before swiftly being named as its 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.
She was made an CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.
Ms Gold’s death comes just two months after that of her father David Gold, the joint-chairman of West Ham United, at the age of 86.
