Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold has died at the age of 62 after a seven-year battle with breast cancer, her family said on Friday.

Ann Summers CEO and Gold’s sister, Vanessa, said: “Jacqueline courageously battled stage four 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.”

According to a statement from Gold’s family, she died Thursday evening with her husband Dan, daughter Scarlett, sister Vanessa, and brother-in-law Nick by her side.

Jacqueline Gold

Jacqueline Gold attends the TiE UK Awards in London, March 18, 2013 (Credit: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images)

The family said: “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.

“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.”

On Twitter, West Ham United FC said: “Everyone at West Ham United has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jacqueline Gold CBE.”

Everyone at West Ham United has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jacqueline Gold CBE. pic.twitter.com/o9XqEUub2w

— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 17, 2023

Gold, who was of Jewish descent, received a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours list for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and enterprise, and was consistently voted one of Britain’s most powerful and inspirational businesswomen by many publications.