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Paul M. Cook

American businessman (1924–2020)

Paul M. Cook (April 25, 1924 – December 14, 2020) was an American businessman who was the founder and CEO of Raychem, a chemical manufacturing company that reached $2 billion in annual revenue.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Paul M. Cook (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Apr 25, 1924, died Dec 14, 2020.1

About

In 1988, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology "[f]or his vision and entrepreneurial efforts, his technical accomplishments and his business and technical leadership as the key contributor in creating a worldwide chemically based industry."

From Wikipedia’s article on Paul M. Cook, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedStanford University3
  • Date not recordedMassachusetts Institute of Technology3

Paul Cook took an early interest in chemistry, and developed a chemistry lab in the basement of his parents' home. After he graduated high school in 1941, he started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), studying chemical engineering under Warren K. Lewis.

In 1943, Cook enlisted in the United States Army and enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program; through that program, he attended Stanford University for two terms, studying mechanical engineering. Cook was then sent to Hunter Liggett Military Reservation and then Fort Benning, where he completed Officer Candidate School. He was then sent to fight in Italy. Cook served in combat with the 10th Mountain Division.

In 1946, Cook left the army and worked for Submarine Signal in Boston. He then returned to MIT and completed his Bachelor of Science in 1947.

From Wikipedia’s article on Paul M. Cook (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: chemist, businessperson.6

Cook was one of SRI International's earliest employees, joining the organization in 1948 as its 48th employee. He went on to lead SRI's Radiation Chemistry Laboratory, where he was interested in using high-energy electrons to alter polymers.

In 1951, Cook founded the Sequoia Process Corporation; he left that after five years to found Raychem, which opened in 1957, and focused on commercial applications for radiochemistry. He served as Raychem's CEO and chairman of the board.

Cook founded other companies, including CellNet Data Systems, DIVA Systems (1995), and Promptu.

From Wikipedia’s article on Paul M. Cook (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Personal life

  • BornApr 25, 1924, Ridgewood7
  • CitizenshipUnited States8

Awards

  • 1988National Medal of Technology and Innovation9 11
  • 1986Winthrop-Sears Medal9 10

Sources

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