Introduction
Dean Hoyle (born 16 April 1967) is the founder and previous owner of Card Factory and the current chairman and owner of Football League Championship side Huddersfield Town and is based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Card Factory
Hoyle and his wife, Janet, founded the Card Factory, a chain of greetings cards and gift stores, in 1997. By 2009, the company had 500+ shops, employing over 5,000 people.
Hoyle confirmed the sale of the Card Factory to Venture Capitalist Charterhouse was finally completed on 9 April 2010. The terms of the deal were not disclosed but financial commentators put the final selling price at in excess of £350 million and would maintain a role in the business as Non-Executive Chairman.
Huddersfield Town
Hoyle is a lifelong Huddersfield Town A.F.C. supporter. He joined the board of Huddersfield Town on 10 April 2008 and took over as chairman, and majority shareholder, of the Club on 3 June 2009. The outgoing chairman, Ken Davy, retains a minority holding.
In November 2016, Hoyle was awarded the 'fcbusiness Championship CEO of the Year' award at the Football Business Awards 2016.
Personal life
Hoyle attended White Lee Secondary School in Heckmondwike.