Remembering Phil Kidner

We are very sad to write of the death of Phil Kidner – known to many as PK – who led TCCA as Chief Executive Officer from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. Phil died on Friday 7 January after a short illness.

Phil was a very special character, cheerful, charming and a good friend. He selflessly shared his extensive knowledge and encouraged us all to join him in the effort to achieve what he believed in, and what he persistently advocated throughout his career.

Phil managed TCCA through a decade of significant change as critical broadband appeared on the horizon, while still maintaining a high profile for TETRA. He had many, many career highlights, among which were the signing of the 3GPP Partnership Agreement in 2013, the formal document that made TCCA the Market Representation Partner for critical communications in 3GPP. He worked closely with ETSI to help deliver the first Mission Critical Push to Talk Plugtests™ in 2017 – these have now evolved into the MCX Plugtests.

Phil enhanced the profile and stature of TCCA and transformed its TETRA World Congress event into the Critical Communications World event of today, the leading conference and exhibition globally for the critical communications ecosystem. Phil’s regional TETRA roadshows introduced the technology to many new countries and made a huge contribution to the strength of the TETRA standard today.

Passionate about his work, Phil made an indelible mark on the critical communications sector, and will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences to Phil’s wife Jane, children and grandchildren, to whom he was devoted.

If you would like to send written condolences, please do so via our Administration offices – email admin@tcca.info, postal address

TCCA
The Grainger Suite
Dobson House
Regent Centre
Gosforth
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE3 3PF
UK

Image: Phil opening Critical Communications World in Amsterdam, 2016