Halsey M. Cook Jr.
Spartanburg, South Carolina-based industry supplier Milliken & Co. has named Halsey M. Cook Jr. president and chief executive officer. J. Harold Chandler has returned to his role as chair of the board of directors.
Cook most recently had been president and CEO of Sonepar USA, a family-owned global distributor of electrical products and related solutions. His 30-year career leading a wide range of large, diversified global businesses with significant manufacturing and distribution networks has prepared him to lead family-owned Milliken, the company said in a news release. His leadership roles in sales, marketing and product development have included international- and U.S.-based assignments across a variety of companies such as United Technologies and Legrand North America. These experiences provided opportunities for Cook to drive growth through organic innovation programs and strategic acquisitions, the company said.
“The board of directors is confident that Halsey is the right leader for Milliken’s next era,” Chandler said. “He has the experience to accelerate what is working very well today at Milliken and, importantly, introduce change where the organization can further leverage our emphasis on innovation, manufacturing excellence and customer care. He will lead an organization with a proven management team that knows how to translate strategy into effective execution and sustainable results. His experience in growing diversified, global businesses and his leadership style are an excellent fit for Milliken’s values, culture and commitment to the community.”
Cook said: “I am honored and excited to have been selected to lead Milliken. It is an esteemed company with talented associates and an opportunity-rich future. I am looking forward to meeting the team and listening to their ideas and aspirations for the next chapter of Milliken & Co.”
Milliken launched a major bedding initiative called Milliken Innovarest last year. Part of the company’s Performance and Protective Textiles division, Innovarest includes a full line of FR nonwovens, knits and laminated materials. Innovarest mattress textiles include fiber board support, insulator pads and Loftec comfort layers.
