Most of you who knew Frank Herman will have heard the sad news that he passed away on Monday.
This week has been a time for private mourning amongst family and close friends, but a man so important to the games industry, and loved by so many, must also be remembered in MCV.
We will publish a full tribute to Uncle Frank next week and invite eulogies from former colleagues or rivals. Let’s celebrate his 25 years in the business.
Frank achieved more than can be done justice here. He co-founded Mastertronic, the first ever budget games publisher. He brought Sega to Europe and effectively built the modern console market – Nintendo were way behind for years.
Frank also set up GT Interactive over here. Quietly, he served on many a board and aided many a private deal.
He was the first person I interviewed, back in 1986 when I was 19. We were all young then. Except Frank, of course. He was always ancient. And always the smartest guy in the room.
A dozen years later he aided the MBO that created Intent Media. Frank made those he touched feel special. That was his gift. But we are many, whilst Frank was one of a kind. He will be sadly missed.
Comments
Frank Herman
I was privileged to have known and worked with Frank Herman for the past 18 years. He was an extraordinarily warm, strong and kind man and brimming full of wisdom. He helped me and many, many others in our business careers and in our personal lives and is quite rightly, a true legend. He helped us in the formation of Rage Software PLC, Autonomy PLC (now a FTSE 100 company) and also helped Dan Thompson, Simon Morris and myself form 365 Corp which became a $1 billion listed company – all started in his office at GT Interactive. Frank was the nicest of all people and was truly an “Uncle Frank” to me and countless others. Eventually after about 15 years of close friendship Frank was sitting around chatting with my now 90 year old father when they realised that my father was actually Frank’s uncle from a former marriage! What a small world! Anyhow, Frank is probably the most genuine hearted businessman I have ever met and I miss him terribly already. Let’s hope he is watching his beloved Spurs from a very comfortable seat in the ultimate directors’ box. Here’s to you Uncle Frank – what a great man!
David Tabizel
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MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by Intent Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets