Premier Christian media group has paid tribute to its former CEO Peter Kerridge who has died on the age of 63.
Kerridge passed away on Saturday of acute leukaemia. He is survived by his wife Karen and their two sons.
He spent a few years at Premier, joining in 1996 as managing director when it was a small London-based Christian radio station on the point of closure.
His partnership with the late Premier pioneer David Heron is credited with turning the station around, and in 2004 he became its CEO.
His successor Kevin Bennett led the tributes: “Peter’s energy and drive were pivotal at various stages of Premier’s history, either sustaining or advancing the station to latest heights.
“I hope Peter might be remembered as a person wholly committed to the mission God set before him. He never wavered once he committed, relentlessly striving to spread the excellent news of Jesus. Above all, he might be remembered for his heart, his mission, and his ministry.”
During his time on the helm, Kerridge pioneered the Premier.television video-on-demand platform and online streaming.
After studying theology at Oxford in 1986, he trained for Baptist ministry and began his broadcasting profession at Metro Radio in Newcastle upon Tyne. He later became religious and community affairs manager at Essex Radio and helped to launch ten17 FM in Harlow.
Sandy Muirhead, Chair of Trustees of Premier Christian Media Trust, added, “Peter was a rare colleague, entrepreneur, and inspiration. His drive forward Premier’s mission was unmatched, and he might be deeply missed inside our company and beyond. His unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord were truly inspiring to us all.”
Churches Together in England said, “We are deeply saddened to listen to of the death of Peter Kerridge, a pioneer of Christian broadcasting and media. Our prayers are along with his family, friends and colleagues at Premier. May he rest in peace.”
Condolences may be left at premier.org.uk
