Industry veteran Peter Rezon passes away

We’re sad to report that industry veteran Peter Rezon has passed away. The following piece was written by Dave Gould (Take-Two) and Liam Taylor (Rubber Road) in memory of a man who helped shape the UK games industry.

Peter joined the computer and video games industry in 1991, having been successful in the music business for several decades prior. He joined one of the key players in the market at that time – the Northampton-based distributor Leisuresoft.

Peter went on to set up the publisher Gauntlet Entertainment in 1996, which was a part of the Pinnacle Entertainment Group. After two years of growth he was invited by one of Gauntlet’s labels to become their managing director. Peter Joined Sierra Entertainment in 1997, later acquired by Vivendi Universal Games. Peter oversaw Vivendi’s expansion, rising to senior vice president for operations across the international business.

In 2005 Peter left Vivendi and set up Reef Entertainment, publishing several notable titles including Sniper Elite and Rogue Trooper.

When it came to his teams, Pete got the best out of people by mentoring and guiding them whenever they needed it, but he would also be referred to (affectionately) as ‘The Rhino’ due to his tough exterior. He always worked at full speed to get results.. Only a very brave person that wasn’t part of his team would intentionally get in his way.

Peter always demanded respect and professionalism, which he passed on to his employees. A true mark of the man are the people still in the industry today that were helped and influenced by Peter to get where they are:

Garry Coote – Sales Director – Namco Bandai

Dave Gould – Senior Director Sales – Take 2 Interactive

Liam Taylor – Commercial Director – Rubber Road

Jon Sloan – Managing Director – An.X

Ian Howe – President – Skybound Games

Jon Tibble – Director of Sales – Codemasters

Wayne Friday – Business Development Manager – Turtle Beach

George Georgiou – Territory Marketing Director – Blizzard Entertainment

Lisa Humphries – Group Product Marketing Manager – Microsoft Xbox

Wendy Mathews – Senior Events Manager – Nvidia

Gareth Turnbull – UK Supply Director – Activision

Andy Clarke – Snr Manager Online Services – Konami

Paul Greenfield – Business Development Manager – Kensington

Keith Cox – Senior Brand Manager – Bungie / Activision

Andy Law – Chief Marketing Officer – Xoomworks

Will Curley – General Manager – Reef Entertainment

Peter’s passion was his family: Pat, Victoria, Paul and his grandchildren. His beloved Everton Football Club would always be a conversation starter, as were films, music, travelling and industry gossip.

A great friend to many, he will be sadly missed.

If anyone wishes to donate to MacMillan Cancer Support in Pete’s memory, a JustGiving page has been set up here.