Businessman and TV presenter Sir Gerry Robinson dies aged 72

Co Donegal native was the former chief executive of Granada Television

Sir Gerry Robinson: has died at the age of 72. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Sir Gerry Robinson: has died at the age of 72. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

Co Donegal businessman and former television presenter Sir Gerry Robinson has died at the age of 72.

He was born in Dunfanaghy in 1948 but left Ireland for England with his family when he was in his teens.

The father of four spent a large part of his life in England working with Matchbox Toys and Coca Cola and became the chief executive of Granada Television in 1991.

He fronted the BBC’s I’ll Show Them Who’s Boss in 2004 when he went into struggling businesses to try to turn them around by advice and mentoring.

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In January 2007, he presented a three-part series, Can Gerry Robinson Fix the NHS? as he attempted to reduce waiting lists at Rotherham General Hospital.

Mr Robinson, who also served as chairman of the Arts Council England for six years from 1998, was knighted in the Queen of England’s 2004 New Year Honours List.

He returned to Co Donegal in 1996 after he acquired Oakfield House in Raphoe. He is survived by his wife Heather, and their four children, Samantha, Richard, April and Tim.

His funeral takes place on Sunday travelling to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan for private family cremation service.