The vivacious and engaging founder of licensing agency, Those Licensing People, Russell Dever (aged 62), passed away on 11 August having sadly taken his own life after a long battle with depression.
Renowned for his passion in children’s entertainment and content, his affection for the genre led him to found the Leeds-based licensing agency in 2013.
Over the last decade his client portfolio has represented some of the world’s most-loved classic children’s brands, which he rejuvenated with his boundless energy and enthusiasm for the industry he embraced. Clients he has represented include Sooty, The Magic Roundabout, Roobard & Custard and The Little Prince. Russell’s personality shined at industry trade shows and events where he was a regular exhibitor and sponsor, with an unwavering support for the licensing community and those who became his friends, not just clients or contacts.
Alongside his licensing business. Russell was also respected in the children’s broadcast industry, having created and produced a number of children’s TV series, including the hit Little Monsters. It was his success in children’s entertainment which led the creative entrepreneur to expand his career into the licensing industry, for which he became so passionate. At the time of his passing, Russell was also working on several production projects to be showcased at upcoming trade shows, where he relished networking with industry executives.
In 2017 his youngest daughter, Leah Dever, joined the business and will continue her dad’s work with their existing clients.
She said: “There are just no words to explain this loss to our family; we are all incredibly heartbroken. We kindly ask for flowers not to be sent, however notes, cards and words of condolence are very welcome.”
Russell is survived by his much-loved wife Janine and daughters, Abigail and Leah. A tribute website to Russell has been set up where people can access the funeral information for 8 September, and donate to the mental health charity, Mind.
