Tributes pour in from all corners of the business for an irreplaceable licensing great.
Tributes have been flooding in from licensors, licensees, retailers and agents, paying their respects to Kelvyn Gardner, who many have described as “a true gentleman of the licensing industry”, “a one-off, irreplaceable & unrepeatable”, “insightful and inspiring” and “an industry guru, a friend and a rock god”.
Hugely respected, widely known and much loved by all, Kelvyn, the founder of Asgard Media, long-time managing director of Licensing International UK and active Light Fund committee member, passed away on January 26.
Former colleagues, plus his peers, friends and licensing family – reeling and in shock at the sudden passing of a man who had done so much to grow the licensing industry into what it is today – have shared their thoughts, sympathies and memories.
We will be sharing these on LicensingSource.net across today and tomorrow (January 29).
David Scott, treasurer, The Light Fund
“I consider it a privilege to count myself as a friend of Kelvyn’s. I met him first in his post-Merlin days as a ubiquitous attendee at industry events, unmissable of course due to his unique fashion sense. When he moved to join LIMA he was massively supportive to our business in his backing for our struggle against counterfeiters and the need for high standards in licensed character events. He had lots of other issues to attend to, but he chose to spend his valuable time going out of his way to support our efforts and, for that, I will always be grateful. He also joined the Light Fund where he became a close colleague and contributed hugely to building the Licensing industry’s charitable efforts.
That is what he did, but it is what he was that will stay with me. It was always a pleasure to meet him, he was such a genuine and delightful character, ever-helpful, widely versed in languages, politics and any other subject under the sun and it was a given that he would be a good man to turn to if ever advice or a sounding board were needed. He was a one-off, irreplaceable & unrepeatable, and our industry is unquestionably diminished by his loss.”
Paul Hodgson, md, FOCO
“Kelvyn was an incredibly charismatic, insightful and inspiring person. He had many endearing qualities but above all, he always had time for everyone. I feel lucky to have known him. Rest in peace, Kelvyn.”
Ian Downes, md, Start Licensing
“I had the pleasure of knowing Kelvyn for over 30 years. He was an ever present in the world of licensing and at the core of the industry. His passion for licensing was infectious and the industry owes him a big debt for his advocacy about licensing. You could see he really enjoyed being part of the licensing industry, being involved in deals and being part of the licensing social scene. He was a man of many talents and had a wide range of interests. He was great to talk to and always welcoming – if you were at a licensing event he would welcome you into his circle with charm and a smile.
I was impressed by his commitment to learn and speak languages. I do remember him speaking Italian once in an Italian restaurant in Waterloo we were having lunch in. He spoke to the waiter about the pasta I remember and the waiter looked confused then said “Sorry sir I am Croatian and don’t speak Italian”. But Kelvyn had tried and that was a big part of Kelvyn’s appeal – he tried and tried his best. I will miss our chats about licensing, life in general and his memories of life in London when he was a student. His time in London as a student included time spent in South London, so we were able to chat about the ‘good old days’ of London pubs and clubs. Licensing will miss him. I will miss him, but will remember him as a man who made the most of his opportunities, enjoyed his life, pushed himself to try new things, but also remembered other people and tried to help where he could. As we say in parts of South London, he was a Top Man.”
Graham Saltmarsh, md, Licensing International UK
“It’s never easy to take over the mantle from someone, especially if that someone is Kelvyn. He was known and loved throughout the industry, as much for his extraordinary bad taste in jackets as for his depth of knowledge and love of real beer. When I was offered the role at Licensing International, the first person I called was Kelvyn, who said how pleased he was and asked how could he help. He continued to touch base and with his fantastic dry wit would give insights on the industry which were always accurate, but not always repeatable! Now we must bid farewell to an industry guru, a friend and a rock God.”
Chris Taday, director, Licensing Link Europe
“Kelvyn was one of those constant bright lights in the licensing business – whether at trade shows, at awards or at Light Fund events. He supported the licensing industry globally – beating the drum for the UK and opening the door for many new businesses to join the licensing industry. Kelvyn was always present and always engaged. Of course, as many people will say, it was not only his love of licensing, but also his love of bright and colourful jackets – you could not miss him on the trade show floor.
He was somebody that would simply make time to talk to you, whether that was a quick telephone call or more formal meeting at one of the many shows.
I first met and worked with Kelyvn at Merlin Publishing. At the time, they were the collectable sticker licensee for the World Wrestling Federation (WWE as it is now referred to) – a hugely successful licence for Merlin, and I believe it established their business. Over the years we would often talk about these days, the characters involved at the time. In fact, most recently we spoke about their very enjoyable anniversary dinner they held at The Waldorf on The Strand.
Over the years I worked with Kelvyn on any number of licences; he was always professional and keen to make things work for all parties. I have always appreciated his advice, knowledge, but most importantly his support.
Finally, I just wanted to say Kelyvn was never one to rest on his laurels and his recent licensing podcasts were something that I really enjoyed listening to. It was an opportunity to learn about the careers and thoughts of different people from the industry.
Kelyvn made his mark in the licensing business and will be missed by everybody. My heart goes out to his family at this time, we must always treasure the memories. Soon we will all come back together and share these memories. RIP my friend.”
Will Stewart, md, The Point.1888
“Kelvyn was an amazing man who really helped me on my journey building The Point. He was so generous with his time and advice. The whole team felt the same way; so gutted to have lost a true legend and a true gent.”
Mark Kingston, svp international consumer products, ViacomCBS
“Kelvyn was a true licensing legend and through his leadership of LIMA UK for many years he was a passionate advocate and leading authority on the practicalities, benefits and nuances of the licensing industry, educating and introducing many new personalities into the industry.
Kelvyn was a great business partner with ViacomCBS through Asgard Media and helped create many business opportunities over the years, for which we are extremely grateful. I will also fondly remember the many times having a drink (normally a different ale each time) and a friendly natter at various trade shows and Light Fund events over the years in numerous different cities across the world. Kelvyn had the unique ability to make anyone feel at ease and had a wicked sense of humour (and dress sense!). His untimely passing has meant that his family, friends and the industry have been robbed of a true ‘rockstar’. From the whole team at Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS we send our heartfelt condolences to Michelle, Regan and Eliot.”
Rob Corney, md, Bulldog Licensing
“Kelvyn was one of life’s truly good people. A great ambassador for the industry and someone who would always take the time to help with advice and thoughts for anyone who needed a friendly ear. Licensing has a wonderful support network and Kelvyn was a crucial part of that – the industry feels a smaller place without him. Whether it was the finer points of contract law or a catch up on Rugby League with a beer, chats with him will be sorely missed and he will be remembered with great respect, fondness and friendship by all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”
John McInnerny, Allsorts Licensing
“Yesterday came as quite a shock for us older members of the licensing community. It was too close to home. I was lucky to see Kelvyn at the end of August when he caught the bus over to the Bedford Blues beer garden for supper and two or three pints. He was good company as ever. We also had dealings when I did his podcast just before Christmas.
His dress sense was occasionally questionable, but his intelligence and knowledge were not. I remember attending the Merlin Publishing fifth anniversary function at the Waldorf Astoria in 1994 so I must have known him for some 30 years.
He knew both sides of the licensing fence. He was so enthusiastic. He gave Licensing International a true international aspect which it had long needed. The world needs characters and it is a poorer place without my friend Kelvyn. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Take care one and all.”
Katie Ball, senior commercial manager (DTR), ViacomCBS
“Kelvyn will be fondly remembered by many; he was always a great person to chat to and never short on time or indeed, wisdom! A real licensing man through and through and he will be sorely missed.”
Caroline High, licensing director, Boat Rocker Studios
“I first met Kelvyn about nine years ago and he instantly made a huge effort to make me feel welcome at every opportunity and would always make time to speak to me, giving great advice, insight and knowledge. I feel very privileged to have spent time with Kelvyn at many Light Fund dinners and he always provided huge entertainment!
Always very supportive of every brand that I worked on, always taking the time to meet and hear all the plans. I spoke to Kelvyn a few times over the summer and he always joked that I was his last face to face meeting in London before the pandemic hit. My sincere condolences to his family at this time.”
Alicia Davenport, licensing director, DRi Licensing
“Kelvyn was the nicest and kindest man – he really cared about the industry and the people in it. It’s a very sad day and I’ll miss him.”
Anna Knight (on behalf of Team BLE & the Global Licensing Group @ Informa)
“If you look up ‘licensing’ in the dictionary, it wouldn’t surprise me if you saw the name Kelvyn Gardner alongside the definition. If you look up ‘Kelvyn Gardner’, you’d see the words ‘legend’, ‘industry stalwart’, ‘loud’, ‘kind’ and many more. I remember when I joined the Global Licensing Group in 2016 I was told that I had to meet Kelvyn first, because he’d be a great support but also because he’d help me get to know people quickly.
He did so much more than that. He taught me so much of what I now understand of the industry, he connected me to wonderful people, several of whom I now count as friends, and he was always there for me – in person, at the end of the phone, more latterly on zoom calls. And he made me laugh, so hard. We clashed about Rugby League (I still don’t see the point!), gin and countless other things, but when you debated with Kelvyn, it was always with respect, humour and passion and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He has also been there to help out so many members of team BLE over the years and always made an effort to get to know them, talk to them at industry events and make them too feel part of this glorious industry.
We all looked forward to the opening days of any trade show just to see what jacket he was going to wear that day and how far he’d push the boundaries… we were even planning to make him one to wear at BLE 2020 to recognise his retirement from Licensing International. I wish we’d done it anyway now. There won’t ever be another Kelvyn and that says everything to me. So much love from all of us to Michelle, Regan and Eliot. We’ll miss you Kelvyn.”
Richard Hollis, licensing consultant
“I was devastated to hear the news about Kelvyn. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm that he was the sort of person you could never imagine might succumb to something as trivial as a heart attack. It is hard to imagine the industry without his wit, warmth, caring support for new talent and truly terrible wardrobe. Let’s hope there’s no dress code at the Pearly Gates.”
Trevor Jones, chairman, The Light Fund
“In the early 90’s walking into a room of WWE wrestlers and licensees, my eyes were drawn to a brightly coloured jacket across the room. Looking up I saw the welcoming smile and then heard the cheery hello that so many of us learnt to know so well – it was Kelvyn Gardner.
Kelvyn may have been known for his exuberant dress style and ready smile, but he had that special ability to make people feel at ease and chat as if they had known him forever. He was passionate about licensing and in particular the UK industry. His own vast licensing experience enabled him to understand the most complex of situations and was always ready to offer advice whenever asked. During his time running Licensing International UK, he was an enthusiastic advocate for the industry, organising training, social events and even appearing on BBC breakfast TV promoting its benefits.
There are so many stories he would share mainly about his other passions – his family, real ale, music and Warrington Rugby League.
He was a friend to all us in licensing and will be sorely missed.”
Nick Stratton, director, fashion and home, Warner Bros. Consumer Products
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear such tragic news. Kelvyn was one of the first people I worked with in the licensing industry. Over the years I enjoyed working with Kelvyn across his various guises… from trading cards to wine and many things in between. It was a pleasure getting to know Kelvyn over the years and we shared some memorable meals. Always someone I could call on for advice he will be fondly remembered for his time, patience, knowledge and very natty dress sense!”
