(CelebrityAccess) — Bernard Chevry, the founder of the MIPTV and MIPCOM television markets and the MIDEM music industry tradeshow, died on May 17th. He was 96.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Bernard Chevry. He was a visionary and passionate entrepreneur whom we are proud to honor both for his legacy to Reed MIDEM and for his contributions to the development of the international television and music markets. Bernard was fond of the television and music events he created and stayed in touch with many former colleagues and clients in recent years,” said Paul Zilk, Chief Executive of Reed MIDEM in a statement announcing his passing.
Chevry launched MIPTV, the world’s first international market for television rights trading in 1963 and two years later, he founded MIDEM, the international market for music, as well as the international market for music,
Chevry headed the Midem Organisation until 1988, helping to forge a long-standing relationship with MIDEM’s host city of Cannes, where the festival continues to be held.
Chevry headed the Midem Organisation until 1988, then sold it to the Reed group in 1989 when it became Reed MIDEM. In 2013, Reed MIDEM honored Bernard Chevry with a MIPTV Jubilee Award to commemorate the 50th anniversary of MIPTV.
“On behalf of the entire Reed MIDEM family, including former CEO Xavier Roy, past employees and long-time representatives, we express our condolences to Mr. Chevry’s family, and our gratitude for his accomplishments which laid the foundations of our company,” Zilk added.
