Halsey M. Cook Jr
About Halsey M. Cook Jr
Halsey M. Cook Jr. serves as the President and CEO of Milliken & Company, a position he has held since 2018. With over 30 years of experience in the Electrical and HVAC markets, he has previously held leadership roles at Sonepar, Legrand North America, and Carrier Corporation.
Work at Milliken & Company
Halsey M. Cook Jr has served as President and CEO of Milliken & Company since 2018. Under his leadership, the company has committed to aggressive sustainability goals and signed the UN Global Compact. Cook has focused on leveraging materials science expertise to solve customer challenges. His tenure has seen Milliken & Company recognized as one of Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies for 17 consecutive years. Additionally, he signed the CEO Action Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion, aiming to foster a dynamic workplace culture.
Previous Leadership Roles
Before joining Milliken & Company, Halsey M. Cook Jr held several prominent positions in various organizations. He served as President of Sonepar USA from 2014 to 2018 and was responsible for overseeing operations in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Prior to that, he was President of Legrand North America from 2007 to 2014, and President of Carrier Corporation’s North America Residential & Light Commercial division from 2002 to 2007. His career also includes roles at Carrier Corporation in marketing and management across different regions.
Education and Expertise
Halsey M. Cook Jr earned his MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where he studied Business Administration and Management from 1989 to 1991. He also holds a BA in Economics and English from The University of the South, where he studied from 1981 to 1985. With over 30 years of experience in the Electrical and HVAC markets, Cook has developed expertise in manufacturing, distribution, product marketing, and development.
Board Memberships and Affiliations
Halsey M. Cook Jr is actively involved in several boards and organizations. He serves as an independent director of Southwire Company and is a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Palmetto Business Forum, and the Belle W. Baruch Foundation. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to industry leadership and community engagement.
International Experience
Halsey M. Cook Jr has extensive international experience, having worked in various countries including France, Italy, the UK, and the United States. His roles at Carrier Corporation included serving as Managing Director in the UK from 1998 to 2001, where he gained valuable insights into global markets. This international exposure has contributed to his comprehensive understanding of business dynamics across different regions.