Jacqueline Gold, the 16th richest British businesswoman with a net worth of £470 million, founded Ann Summers and Knickerbox. She was also the executive chair of Gold Group International. She died at the age of 62 on Thursday, her family confirmed.
“It is with unspeakable sadness that Ann Summers, 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,” the family said in a statement.
Who was Jacqueline Gold?
Jacqueline Gold was born on July 16, 1960, in Kent, United Kingdom. She was the daughter of Beryl Hunt and businessman David Gold. She was the executive chair of Gold Group International, Ann Summers, and Knickerbox.
Gold’s father ran a publishing business and is widely credited with introducing sex magazines in England. According to reports, when Gold was born, his father wept as he wanted a son. However, Gold and her sister grew up in a sprawling three-story house at Bigging Hill, Kent. The house reportedly had a large garden and a swimming pool.
In the statement Gold’s family released following her death, it says, “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 multichannel 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.”
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“Jacqueline’s death comes just two months after the passing of her father, David Gold, the joint chairman of West Ham United FC. The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at Ann Summers are with Jacqueline’s husband Dan, daughter Scarlett and sister Vanessa at this extremely sad time,” it added.
