Bobby Kerr (businessman)
Bobby Kerr | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1960 Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, entrepreneur, radio presenter |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Known for | Chairman of Insomnia Coffee Company; "Dragon" on Irish Dragons' Den (2009–2013) |
Bobby Kerr is a prominent Irish businessman and entrepreneur, recognized for his role as chairman of Insomnia Coffee Company and for appearing as a "dragon" on the Irish Dragons' Den between 2009 and 2013.
Career
Kerr's professional journey began in 1981 when he worked as a chef and trainee manager at AIB Catering in Ballsbridge. Following two years employed on North Sea oil platforms, he took on Assistant Catering Manager positions in Canada, where he organized catering services for Pope John Paul II’s 1985 event attended by one million people.
Upon returning to Ireland in 1986, Kerr assumed the role of Assistant Manager at Jury's Hotel Ballsbridge, later becoming Catering Manager at Campbell Catering within University College Cork from 1987 to 1989. He advanced through several positions at Campbell Catering before moving to Campbell Bewley in 1992 as Managing Director, overseeing Bewleys Oriental Café, Bewleys Franchising, and Bewleys Bakery operations.
In 1997, Kerr was promoted to Director of Development at Campbell Bewley Group, responsible for expanding the Bewley brand internationally across the UK, United States, and Japan.
Kerr established PERK Coffee Shops in 1999. After purchasing Fitzers’ 50% share in 2003 to gain full ownership, he sold PERK to Insomnia the following year. He then reinvested the returns into Insomnia, becoming both shareholder and CEO. Under his leadership, Insomnia grew from 17 to 50 outlets, with revenue climbing from €5 million to €13 million.
In 2008, Kerr sold a majority stake of 51% in Insomnia to Icelandic firm Penninn Group, valuing the company at €16 million. He stepped down as CEO in 2010 to serve as chairman of Insomnia and hosted the business-focused radio program Down to Business on Newstalk. In December 2017, Kerr divested his remaining shares in Insomnia to other investors.
Personal life
Raised in Kilkenny, Bobby Kerr grew up with his father managing the family-owned Newpark Hotel, a four-star establishment. His education included attendance at CBS Kilkenny and Castleknock College, Dublin, followed by studies in Catering Management at Dublin Institute of Technology.
Kerr currently resides in Sandycove with his wife Mary and their four daughters. He played rugby for Bective Rangers based in Donnybrook, Dublin for a decade.
In 2011, he engaged in charitable efforts in Zambia by constructing a home for a family supporting AIDS orphans.
On 7 November 2015, Kerr publicly disclosed his diagnosis with head and neck cancer.