The founder of a multimillion-dollar lingerie and sex toy empire has died aged just 62.
Jacqueline Gold founded Britain’s Ann Summers which has more than 100 stores across the UK and Ireland selling bras, knickers, stockings, vibrators and furry handcuffs.
The British tycoon transformed the retailer into a multimillion pound business after joining the company aged just 19.
Her success made her the 16th richest woman in Britain with a net worth of around $854 million, reported The Sun.
Ms Gold was the daughter of Premier League football club West Ham United chairman David Gold, who passed away in January.
The mogul, who had been receiving treatment for breast cancer for seven years, recently paid tribute to her “hero” dad.
She shared a moving series of photos of her father through the years, with the caption: “We will always be so proud of you Dad”.
Ms Gold’s family announced her tragic death with “unspeakable sadness” today.
They said she died with her husband, daughter, sister and brother-in-law by her side.
The family added: “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.”
Ms Gold’s sister Vanessa added: “Jacqueline courageously battled stage 4 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”.
Ms Gold turned Ann Summers from a run-of-the-mill sex shop into a female-friendly chain throughout Britain.
The tycoon famously introduced the “Party Plan” concept, which saw erotic product parties held at the homes of customers.
Women would be given presentations on sex toys and lingerie, as well as play party games – with one rule: no men allowed.
The savvy plan allowed Ann Summers to get around laws that prevented sex toys being put on public display.
Ms Gold became chief executive of the company in 1987 with 140 stores now scattered across the UK and Ireland.
A string of celebrities, including Love Island UK favourites Tasha Ghouri and Megan Barton-Hanson, have since modelled for the chain.
In 2000, Ann Summers acquired the Knickerbox brand, which now has a concession in every store.
Away from the boardroom, Jacqueline has appeared on the UK celebrity edition of The Apprentice and ITV show Fortune – Million Pound Giveaway.
Her family today praised the tycoon, who was awarded a CBE for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise in 2016.
They added: “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 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.”
West Ham also paid tribute to the tycoon, saying the club has been left “deeply shocked and saddened”.
This story appeared in The Sun and is reproduced with permission.
