THE Co Donegal-born former boss of Granada Television, Sir Gerry Robinson, has died aged 72.
The businessman-turned broadcaster, who received a knighthood in 2004, began his storied career at Matchbox Toys before setting his sights on television and joining Grenada in the early 1990s.
Born in Dunfanaghy, he was the ninth of 10 children and initially planned a career as a Catholic priest.
At Grenada TV, where he served as Chief Executive of the ITV station serving the north west of England, honing his taste for presenting as well as producing shows.
In 2004 he fronted 'I’ll Show Them Who’s Boss' for the BBC, in which he advised struggling businesses on turning their fortunes around. Three years late the hosted the three-part series 'Can Gerry Robinson Fix the NHS?' in which he worked at Rotherham General Hospital trying to reduce waiting lists for patients.
Other high ranking media positions held by Mr Robinson over the years included chairing ITN and British Sky Broadcasting Group, while he also served as chairman of the Arts Council England
Since retiring, the veteran broadcaster has lived with wife Lady Heather Robinson at Oakfield Park Estate in Raphoe, Co Donegal. He is survived by his wife and four children.
A private family funeral is planned to take place on Sunday.
A spokesperson for the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to him yesterday, writing in a tweet: "Gerry was a proud Donegal man well known for his business acumen."
- This artice was amended on October 15 2021
