John Cook

John Cook is one of the UK's most active and outspoken advocates for artificial intelligence in manufacturing. As Production Director at Groupe Atlantic UK's Hull facility — home to Ideal Heating, the UK's number one boiler manufacturer — he leads operational and continuous improvement programmes across a global network of 35 plants, and holds a direct mandate to drive AI adoption across the entire UK business. With a foundation in Mechanical, Electrical and Controls Engineering, John has spent his career at Director level in manufacturing — building a reputation not just for operational performance, but for translating complex technology into practical, people-centred implementation. He holds advanced qualifications in AI and Machine Learning from the University of Hull, and has deployed real-world AI systems at scale: from multi-agent SAP frameworks to vision-based quality detection and plant-wide predictive intelligence platforms. Away from the plant floor, John is Founder of Waypoint North — a consultancy helping UK manufacturers begin or accelerate their AI journeys. Drawing on hard-won experience at the intersection of industry, policy and technology, Waypoint North provides the kind of grounded, jargon-free guidance that gets results where it matters most: on the shop floor and in the boardroom. A passionate advocate for regional skills and education, John sits on the boards of Made Smarter Yorkshire, the UK Technology, Innovation and Digitisation Policy Board, and the Hull and East Yorkshire LSIP. He is a regular on the industry speaking circuit — this year addressing both the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference and National Members' Board — and is widely regarded among his international peer group as a thought leader in AI implementation