Jacqueline Gold, the founder of Ann Summers, a leading retailer of lingerie and sex toys, passed away last week at the age of 62 after battling breast cancer for seven years. Gold's passing is a great loss to the business world, especially for women across the UK, who have been empowered by her contribution to female sexual liberation.
In a statement released by Ann Summers on Friday, it was announced that Gold had passed away, leaving her husband, Dan, daughter, Scarlett, sister, Vanessa, and brother-in-law, Nick, by her side. Vanessa described her sister as an "absolute warrior" throughout her cancer journey.
Gold joined Ann Summers in the late 1970s and took over as CEO in 1987. She transformed the business into a multi-million-pound enterprise by making it more female-friendly and introducing the concept of hosting Tupperware-style parties to sell lingerie and sex toys to women in the privacy of their homes. Gold's "no men allowed" policy at these parties enabled women to discuss their desires and sexual freedom openly, which was a radical departure from the prevailing social norms of the time.
Gold was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for her outstanding contributions to women in business, social enterprise, and entrepreneurship. In addition to being a successful businesswoman, she was also a role model for many women across the UK.
Gold's father, David Gold, co-founded Ann Summers with his brother Ralph in 1972, and he played a pivotal role in transforming the business from a small collection of standard sex shops to a nationwide high street phenomenon. David passed away just two months before Jacqueline.
Although Ann Summers has closed several branches due to the decline of the British high street, it still operates 81 stores across the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. Gold's legacy will continue to inspire and empower women for generations to come. Her sister, Vanessa, has succeeded her as CEO of the company.