MIP founder Bernard Chevry dies at 96

MIPTV and MIPCOM founder Bernard Chevry has died at the age of 96.

The exec, who passed away on 17 May, first created MIPTV in 1963 as the world’s first international market for television rights trading.

In 1965, he launched MIDEM, the international market for music, and founded his company, the Midem Organisation. He later launched MIPCOM in 1985.

Chevy played an integral role in establishing the relationship with the city of Cannes, which continues to hosts all three events across the year.

He headed the Midem Organisation until 1988, when it was sold to the Reed group and became Reed Midem in 1989.

In 2013, Reed Midem honoured Bernard Chevry with a MIPTV Jubilee Award to commemorate the 50th anniversary of MIPTV.

Paul Zilk, chief exec of Reed MIDEM, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Bernard Chevry. He was a visionary and passionate entrepreneur whom we are proud to honour 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. 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.”