1960-2023
Jacqueline Gold CBE was a truly brilliant woman. The Executive Chair of Ann Summers, she was an activist for women in business, and her attitude toward female empowerment and gender equality inspired countless generations of women to pursue their dreams and celebrate their successes, not least her daughter, Scarlett. From an internship at Ann Summers to Chief Executive Officer in less than 10 years, her determination and commitment to creating a unique retail offering saw the business grow from an unknown brand to a British household name and staple of the British high street.
In recognition of Jacqueline’s significant achievements during her 40-year career, she was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to Entrepreneurship, Women in Business and Social Enterprise. It is this moment in her career, among all the other awards and accomplishments, that she described as her proudest. She loved her work, and all those who were lucky enough to work with her, loved her too. Endlessly inspiring and always ready to learn, she was the sort of boss you can only hope for.
In 2016, Jacqueline was first diagnosed with breast cancer and following a year of grueling treatment she went into remission. Unfortunately, the cancer came back in 2019, and she battled it bravely, refusing to let it either define or beat her. She had just started her third round of chemotherapy during this difficult journey before she passed away. Jacqueline was passionate about sharing her journey with others in the hope it would help and inspire them. Jacqueline firmly believed that through all of life’s adversities there were lessons to be learned and opportunities to come out of them.
We will forever be inspired by JG, and we are committed to honouring her legacy, always.