John Cookson

Preconstruction Director of Alutec WLL

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About

As Preconstruction Director at Alutec WLL I contribute to business transformation and new business development, leveraging a strong foundation in general management and strategic planning. My work emphasizes delivering results through collaboration and aligning operational efforts with organizational goals to drive impactful outcomes. With over two decades of experience in the architectural products industry, my career reflects a consistent focus on rebuilding and leading teams, fostering growth, and spearheading innovative solutions. My mission is to facilitate organizational excellence by developing high-performing strategies and implementing initiatives that support sustainable progress.

Experience

  • Preconstruction Director at Alutec WLL
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Currently heading up the Preconstruction Team at Alutec, one of the leading Glazing Contractors in the GCC. Working with Architects, Consultants and General Contractors on some of the most challenging and iconic projects in the Region.

  • YKK AP America Inc. (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • General Manager Europe
      Oct 2024 - Aug 2025 · 11 mos

      Played a lead role in establishing YKK AP’s Business in Europe. YKK AP is the largest Aluminium Glazing Systems company in the world, with over $3.5bil USD revenues worldwide.

    • National Sales Director
      Aug 2022 - Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Rebuilt and led the front end for Erie Architectural Products (AP) in Canada, covering Sales, Estimating, Marketing and Facade Engineering. With revenues of over $60mil USD, and 7 Unitized Lines, Erie AP is one of the leading Manufacturers of Unitized Facades in North America and is a subsidiary of YKK AP North America.

  • Technical Director at Schüco (Schueco) Southeast Asia
    Sep 2018 - Aug 2022 · 4 yrs

    Built and led the Technical Team for Schuco Southeast Asia. This covered Facade Engineering, Product Management, Product Development, Digital, Machinery, Quality Management and Estimating, across Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Schüco is one of the leading Manufacturers of high performance glazing systems in Europe and Worldwide, with over €2bil Euros revenues per annum.

  • Kawneer Company, Inc. (11 yrs 9 mos)
    • Commercial Manager - International Markets
      Jan 2014 - Sep 2018 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Built and led the central Product Management and Development Functions for Kawneer’s New Markets Team, whilst acting as Commercial Manager for the Division. Developed products which produced cost savings of up to 30%. Established structures and important processes to help the regional teams in Brazil, China, Middle East and India bid and acquire projects, and then successfully execute them. Established in 1906, and with approximately $1bil USD revenues worldwide, Kawneer is the oldest glazing systems company in the world, and the Market Leader in North America.

    • Consultant Commercial Manager for Kawneer Brazil
      Jun 2013 - Dec 2013 · 7 mos

      Seconded to Kawneer Brazil for 6 months to support the Team in bidding and acquiring its first major unitized facade projects. We did this through positive differentiation of our bids, whilst proactively providing options to help value engineer the facade design schemes. Also assisted the Team with developing lower cost, localised and tropicalised systems for the Brazil market.

    • National Sales Manager - Kawneer UK
      Mar 2012 - May 2013 · 1 yr 3 mos

      National Sales Manager for Kawneer UK, responsible for leading the Sales Team, covering the Specification, Bidding and Acquisition of Projects across the UK. Kawneer UK is one of the leading suppliers of high performance glazing systems in the UK, with revenues of over £30mil GBP per annum.

  • GLASSOLUTIONS Saint-Gobain (4 yrs 4 mos)
    • Key Accounts Manager and Specification Sales Manager
      Jul 2004 - Dec 2006 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Collaborated with Architects, Consultants, General Contractors and Glazing Contractors in London and Nationally, providing expert advice on glazing design, cost and specification.

    • Process Improvement Engineer then Estimating Team Leader
      Sep 2002 - Jun 2004 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Built and led the Commercial Estimating Team for Saint-Gobain Solaglas in the UK. Worked with the Shop Floor to improve productivity using Lean Manufacturing techniques, whilst managing the approval of and installation of capital investments for the factory.