He has held the position of Chairman since 1996 and before that was a Trustee of Premier Christian Media Trust, the charity that owns Premier Christian Radio. David Lucas will be appointed acting Chairman.
"When I first came to work at Premier, I intended to stay for a month," Mr Heron told the Premier Christian Radio staff recently. "Twelve years later, I am finally due to retire. These last twelve years have been some of the most memorable of my working life."
During his time as Chairman, David has overseen the stabilising and subsequent growth and development of Premier. When he took over, it was a medium wave station broadcasting in London. Now it is a multi-media organisation broadcasting nationally in the UK with dynamic internet TV interests and publishing respected Christian magazines.
He has always been fascinated by new technology, and the fast changing media scene has provided an opportunity for Premier to be at the forefront of new media developments such as digital radio and including Premier.tv, one of the first Christian internet channels in the UK.
Mr Heron will continue as Chairman of the magazine publishing arm, CCP, which he founded ten years ago and which is now jointly owned with Spring Harvest. CCP publishes Christianity, Youthwork, Faithworks and Christian Marketplace.
"What we have achieved has been down to the grace of God, an extraordinary team of people, and often sheer perseverance," Mr Heron commented on his time at Premier. "The generosity of the individuals and organisations which have supported us in so many ways both before Premier went on air and continuously since has been truly wonderful."
Mr Heron continued, "Premier has come a long way since it was first launched in 1995. I wish my successor as fruitful and rewarding a time as I have enjoyed."
Peter Kerridge, Chief Executive of Premier Christian Radio, said, "David Heron has been at the centre of so many of Premier's successes over the years. His determination, faith and vision have been an inspiration to us all. We will miss him greatly."
Humphrey Norrington, Chairman of the Premier Christian Media Trust, commented, "David has been a key person in developing Premier into its present position of diversity and strength. He has constantly driven it forward so that today it serves many hundreds of thousands of people. The whole Christian community in this country owes him an enormous vote of thanks."
Before joining Premier, David worked in the City for over 30 years and had been a director at stock broking firms James Capel & Co and Smith New Court, as well as holding the position of Deputy Chairman of LIFFE, the London International Financial Futures Exchange.
Mr Heron will continue to be a trustee of Mildmay and of Share Jesus International and is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Peggy, at their new home in Lyndhurst.
