Trevor Kennedy, a larger than life figure in the media and publishing business, and a one-time right-hand man of Kerry Packer, has died after a brief illness. He was 79.

A former champion footballer, accomplished skier and expert deep sea fisherman, Mr Kennedy was a commanding presence, with disarming charm, shrewd judgment, personal generosity, earthy wit, and a rare capacity to puncture pomposity and get to the nub of complex business and political issues.