Joseph Reeves Hyde III (born 1942), known as Pitt Hyde,[1][2] is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist in Memphis, Tennessee. He is best known for founding AutoZone as a spinoff of his family's grocery business, Malone and Hyde, in 1979.[2] Hyde is also a part-owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.[3]
Hyde graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in economics.[4] He is a member of Presbyterian Church [5] and studied in Presbyterian Day School.
Together with his wife, Barbara Rosser Hyde, Pitt runs the Hyde Family Foundation which works for the betterment of Memphis through hands-on philanthropy.[6]
Awards and honors
- 1998 Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement[7]
- 2002 AXA Liberty Bowl Distinguished Citizen Award
- 2004 Automotive Hall of Fame[8]
- 2007 Francis Gassner Award of the Memphis chapter of the American Institute of Architects
- The Society of Entrepreneurs Hall of Honor[9]