Joe Hyman

After an early business failure, Hyman purchased a small knitting company in Suffolk in 1957, renaming it Gainsborough Fabrics. He expanded through acquisitions, including the Cornard mill and, in 1961, William Hollins, owner of the Viyella brand.^[2] Under his leadership, Viyella was transformed from a traditional pajama fabric into a fashionable label associated with modern lifestyles.^[3] Backed by investment from Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), Hyman pursued integration across spinning, weaving, and finishing, ultimately controlling more than forty companies by the late 1960s.^[2][3]

In December 1969, a boardroom revolt ended his control of Viyella International, which was later absorbed into what became Coats Viyella.^[1][2][3] Hyman later led the Yorkshire woollen firm John Crowther until his retirement in 1981.^[2]

After leaving the textile industry, Hyman lived in Surrey, developing a country estate. Known for his cultured interests, he supported music and charitable causes, serving as a trustee of the Pestalozzi Children's Village Trust and as London School of Economics governor.^[3] He died on 6 July 1999 at the age of 77.^[3] Hyman was married twice. He was survied by his second wife, Simone Duke, and four children.^[1][2][3]