CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Drew Kennedy, who took over as president of longstanding adult distribution outfit Premiere Sales Group in 2013, was reportedly found dead Friday morning in his home. He was 32.
Kennedy began his career in the industry in the year 2000 at the age of 18, when he went to work in the Premiere warehouse for his brother-in-law and Premiere owner Keith Repult. Climbing his way up into sales, Kennedy built such a strong account portfolio that he was eventually able to purchase the company from Repult.
In the summer of 2014, Kennedy was briefly appointed by Elegant Angel Productions founder Patrick Collins as the studio's new president—a deal that collapsed almost immediately due to legal complications on Collins' end. Kennedy would go on, however, to help get new studio ArchAngel Productions up and running with Elegant director MimeFreak at its head and Girlfriends Films handling distribution.
Girlfriends president Moose told AVN, "Drew was a person you could count on, as a friend and doing business deals. He would always be a straight shooter and a man of his word. Over the years I have seen so many different ways that he grew in different deals.
"Sorry to his family and friends," Moose added. "We have lost a true friend."
Reflected MimeFreak, "Drew Kennedy was a down to earth guy. I first met Drew at Elegant and we immediately became close. I wouldn't have my spot at ArchAngel if it wasn't for for Drew. Drew had so much life and would give you the shirt off his back. He will be missed by so many of us. It's surreal to know that he's gone."
Devil's Film production and sales vice president Steve Volponi, who explained that Repult also owned Devil's for a period while he still presided over Premiere, commented, "Drew was the head sales guy [at Premiere] and would buy from me. Premiere was our sister company. Drew was by far one of the best sales guys I ever was in contact with. The kid knew how to close a deal."
He continued, "I spoke with him two days ago, and we had a great conversation about our respect and love for each other and how great he was doing as new owner of Premiere. We had some great laughs the other day too. I'm absolutely floored he is gone.
"He was a good guy, and I don't think there's a person in this business that could say anything bad about him. Good, bad or indifferent, he was like family to me, and others in this industry. He will truly be missed."
Exile Distribution owner Howard Levine, another close friend of Kennedy's, offered, "Drew was a big guy with a bigger heart. He always gave 100 percent, and everyone loved him. I spoke with him on Wednesday for about an hour. He loved our industry and was very much at home being a part of it. He will be sorely missed."
