The Ann Summers Party Plan launched in 1981, providing a direct home-marketing outlet for sex toys and lingerie that bypassed traditional high street legal restrictions. Jacqueline Gold pioneered this model by implementing a strict policy excluding men, successfully transforming a stagnant retail chain into a multi-million pound business that employed thousands of women across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Professional Origins and Expansion
Born in Bromley in 1960, Gold began her career at Royal Doulton before entering her father David Gold’s business in 1979. Initially dissatisfied with the male-dominated atmosphere of the Ann Summers sex shops, she saw an opportunity to shift the focus toward women. After assuming the role of CEO in 1987, she expanded the brand significantly, eventually integrating the Knickerbox chain in 2000. By 2008, the company generated an annual turnover of £117 million.
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Gold authored two autobiographical books: Good Vibrations in 1995 and A Woman's Courage in 2007. The latter became the subject of a libel action brought by a former employee, resulting in a 2009 settlement that involved damages and legal costs. Beyond publishing, she served as a columnist for several industry titles, including Retail Week and Women Mean Business. Her television presence included competing on The Apprentice in 2008 and participating in documentaries such as Back to the Floor and The Verdict.
Public Recognition and Personal History
In the 2016 New Year Honours, Gold was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to entrepreneurship and women in business. Her personal life involved marriage to Tony D'Silva in 1980 and later to Dan Cunningham in 2010. She faced notable challenges, including the death of her infant son Alfie in 2009 and a 2010 poisoning attempt by a nanny. Following seven years of breast cancer treatment, she died on 16 March 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Bromley
- Died: 16 March 2023
- Positions held: CEO, Ann Summers (1987)
- Awards: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2016)
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Net worth: £470 million (2019)
- Key acquisition: Knickerbox (2000)
Questions readers ask
What was the Ann Summers Party Plan?
It was a home-marketing service launched by Gold in 1981 that utilized a sales force of women to sell lingerie and sex toys in private settings, excluding men.
What honours did Jacqueline Gold receive?
She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2016 for her contributions to entrepreneurship, women in business, and social enterprise.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2016
