Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold dies aged 62 following treatment for breast cancer
Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold has died at the age of 62, her family has said.
The multi-millionaire businesswoman, who passed away with her family at her side on Thursday evening after seven years of treatment for breast cancer, was hailed an “absolute warrior” by her sister.
It comes just two months after the death of her 86-year-old tycoon father, David, who was co-chairman of West Ham United.
A family statement 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.”
Her sister Vanessa said: “Jacqueline courageously battled stage four breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey.”
She was made a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.
David bought Ann Summers with his brother Ralph in 1972, when it had just four stores that operated as sex shops.
The pair set about transforming the company into a lingerie chain with a high street presence.
Jaqueline was brought into the firm in 1981 and soon made her mark.