It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to one of the founding fathers of our association, Dov Hyman. He was a truly remarkable person—his energy and presence had a way of drawing people in, no matter who they were. With passion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to our industry, Dov had an extraordinary ability to unite people and bring everyone on board.
Never one to shy away from tough questions, Dov challenged us, pushed us forward, and, on occasion, stirred things up—sometimes just for the fun of it. His generosity, resilience, and sharp mind left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Above all, Dov was deeply devoted to his family. He was immensely proud of his wife, Linda; his daughters, Sherri, Jennifer, and Becky; his son, Josh; and his beloved grandchildren.
His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy will continue to inspire us. He will be dearly missed
Tribute messages from the GICA community can be viewed below. If you would like to share your own tribute message in honor of Dov, please submit it via the form here:
Dov Tribute Form
Tribute messages
“I have known Dov for well over 30 years. My best memory of Dov was singing in the bus back to the hotel after a boozy night! Dov and I collaborated and he was a stickler for the English language. He never failed to “correct” me!” – Tim Runge, Constructive Edge
“Dear Dov,
I will always remember you kindness and attention to me when I joined GOCA over 10 years ago.
Your perfect planning of each event, your sense of making everyone feel at home in your organization will always make me think of you as a model.
I think of your relatives and loved ones and wish them courage in this difficult moment. ” – Nestor Belicard, Dassault Systemes
“I learned of Dov’s passing with great sadness. He always brought great presence and energy to the GICA (GOCA) events, but more importantly he was always positive and tremendously welcoming. I learned so much about offset from Dov – he was generous with his advice (which was always delivered with his wonderfully characteristic directness).
My most sincere condolences to Dov’s family at this awful time.” – Guy Anderson, Janes
“I had the privilege of working with Dov last year during an intense campaign effort in Southeast Asia. After only a few minutes of speaking with him, it was clear the man was a master of his craft, and what’s more, was his willingness to share his vast experience and knowledge those around him. I learned so much form him in the short time we spent together and I continually found myself looking forward to our next conversation. Our industry, and more importantly, the world was a better place with Dov in it. Rest in peace, my friend!” –Anthony Nelsen, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
“Sorry, We will miss you, dear friend” – Josh Shuky Eyal, Marketsol
“A great person and loyal friend. ” – Mark Timoney
“When remembering Dov, it’s impossible not to smile at the vibrant memories he shared with us. While his absence leaves an emptiness, it’s filled with the echoes of his laughter, the warmth of his stories, and the joy he spread.
Thank you for your passion and dedication Dov!”- Laurence Van Bockel, Constructive Edge
“All glory to the memory of Dov Hyman. A great man and manager who drove GOCA, and later GICA. I consider him a great friend to the world in promoting compensation programs. God bless him.” – Affonso Henriques, Compensation consultant
“May sincere condolences to his beloved family in these trying times. I am blessed to have crossed paths with him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” – Adv. Tebogo Makube, The DTIC
“I served with Dov on the Board for several years and as COO. I always enjoyed his humor and his passion for GOCA (yes I know name has changed) during the somewhat more intimate days of the organization. He could always be counted on to come up with good ideas and methods of helping the organization while spending significant time implementing his ideas, always with fun loving spirit. I often wondered who he could take so much on himself. I am sure his can do spirit and drive will be missed.” – Robert Bell, Raytheon/ Bellerophon Consulting
“Very very sad news. A good friend, a colleague, a master in business and a true gentleman. I will miss him dearly. May God bless his soul” – Yalcin Yilmazkaya, Kale Group Turkiye
“Dov was a wonderful ambassador for GICA. He welcomed everyone to the organization and was truly a friend to all. As so many have commented, he had a big heart and was always willing to help others. He will be greatly missed by all of us” – John Black
“I worked very closely with Dov when I served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of GOCA/GICA navigating the organization through a period of a lot of change. I started nearly every morning with my daily phone call to Dov during my morning commute to the office (without this routine I’m sure I would have received multiple calls from Dov during the day! 🙂 This was his passion for GOCA and unwavering commitment to our industry and field of expertise. I’m thankful for all the laughter, so many fond memories and his contagious enthusiasm that kept us going for so many years. My heart goes out to his family – and he will also be greatly missed by his GOCA/GICA family.” – Maria Laine, Boeing
“I have known Dov since the late 1980s, as a partner in countertrade and offset, and as a member of the ACA and GOCA Boards and in planning many conferences in the USA and elsewhere. Always an interesting, charming and humorous friend. I spoke to him a few weeks ago and he was amazingly resigned as he faced his upcoming death. I would call Dov for support on many issues. Over twenty years ago, I had joined a company as their offset manager and found myself sent to Korea to work on an offset solution for a large defense procurement. Dov had considerable experience in Korea, and I asked for some advice. He told me to speak with his local Korean partner. On arrival I met with his partner who advised me that we would not make a sale due to cost and other issues. I advised my employer, but as a new member of the team I assume, they persisted, and we spent 3 weeks only to leave empty handed. I am truly happy and lucky to have known Dov all these many years. I hope that his family find the knowledge of how many friends he had, and the hearts and minds he touched will remain part of their memory of him as to what a wonderful person he was.” – Neil Rutter
“I learned with great sadness of the passing of Dow Hyman, whom I had known for many years. I will always remember Dow as a true gentleman with his smiling face. I offer my heartfelt condolences and patience to his family and all his loved ones. Rest in peace Dov.” – Mustafa Egeli, AYESAS
“Dov was a great friend, person and family man. He will be greatly missed but always remembered for his kindness and making people feel welcomed. God bless and rest in peace.” – Brian Casey
“What sad news to hear and sincere thoughts to Dov’s family. How to describe Dov? An icon, big personality, the hub of fun, a fountain of knowledge and experience, and full of encouragement who ever you were and where ever you were. Always generous with his time and enthusiasm, and welcoming of all.
I remember clearly my first Conference and Dov’s impactful presence vividly, and this continued in subsequent Conferences through to the conversations as I transitioned to GICA Chair many years hence. One cannot reflect on GOCA/GICA without firmly associating with Dov Hyman – a founding father.
Welcoming of new ideas, challenging and always up for robust debates ending with a firm genuine handshake and embrace that strengthened the relationship whatever the outcome of the debate. I recall plenty of robust debates with Dov but all with no feelings of subversion – just reflection and positively moving things forward. His legacy will live on in GICA and those future contributors and leaders to the GICA family must know who Dov Hyman was and what a charismatic, compassionate, true leader, visionary and human being he was.
Thank you Dov for the experiences and memories.” – David Claridge, Leonardo
“I will always remember Dov as a gracious, friendly, outgoing person whose same spirit will live on in each of us. God Bless you Dov, we’ll miss you!” – Jim Holcombe, Collins Aerospace
“Sincere condolences to Dov’s family! Dov was a fabulous chap, a unique character, good fun and brought something special to every event. Feel honored to have known him.” – Charles Burr, Constructive Edge
“Dov was an excellent and passionate mentor. I greatly admired his efforts in GOCA and later GICA over the years. I learned a great deal from him and always enjoyed his camaraderie. He will be missed by many.” – Derek Gilman