Karren Brady was born on 4 April 1969 in Edmonton, London. Her father, Terry Brady, was a successful businessman in printing and property, while her mother, Rita, is of Italian heritage.

She left formal education after completing her A-levels and chose not to attend university, instead beginning her career at advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi before moving into media sales.

At just 23, she became managing director of Birmingham City Football Club, later becoming the youngest managing director of a UK plc and one of the first women to hold such a senior role in football.

In 2010, she became vice-chairman of West Ham United. She joined The Apprentice on BBC One in 2009 as Lord Sugar’s aide, helping assess candidates’ business performance.

Brady was made a life peer in 2014 and now sits in the House of Lords. She lives in London with her husband and children, balancing business, politics, and media work