Hugh Cole

Vice President, Solutions, AGI - The Goldratt

About Hugh Cole

Hugh Cole is a Partner of AGI – The Goldratt Institute, working as Vice President, Solutions Development. He has been associated with the Institute since 1993. His focus includes teaching and customizing the application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in its entirety – from the strategic and tactical use of the TOC Thinking Processes to the implementation of its various Logistical Applications. Working across both the military and commercial worlds, from maintenance and repair operations (MRO), to production, distribution, project management, marketing, and sales, Hugh has applied TOC to such diverse industries as electronics, food processing, metals, printing, fabrication and textiles – in Fortune 25 companies to family-owned businesses.

Since late 2003, much of his time has been devoted to designing, training and implementing an initiative called “Enterprise AIRSpeed”, in which AGI functions as the prime contractor across the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE). It has been described as ‘revolutionizing Naval Aviation’ as it approaches operational strategy of aviation maintenance and supply from a ‘system perspective’ with the goal of improving Readiness. The initiative won the 2007 NAVAIR Commander’s National Award for its significant positive impact on Naval and Marine Aviation. Current efforts include design and implementation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Supply Program (MALSPII) in support of the forward-deployed war fighter, strategy and tactics to improve readiness of P-3 aircraft community, and improving maintenance and repair operations for key F/A-18 Super Hornet components.

As part of his role as Partner, Hugh educates and mentors others to become TOC Experts, certifying them in the areas of TOC Supply Chain Design and Deployment. He is a lifetime member of the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization (TOCICO) and a frequent lecturer and speaker in universities and professional organizations.

Prior to his association with AGI, Hugh worked in industry for more than eighteen years holding both line and staff positions in production, distribution, engineering and marketing. Over this period of time his responsibilities covered a wide range of activities – from Plant and Production Management, to Engineering, to Operations Analysis, to Director of Operations over multiple plant facilities.

Hugh received a B.S. Degree in Engineering Management in 1972 from, then, University of Missouri – Rolla and a Professional Degree in Engineering Management from Missouri S&T in 2008. He is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh (OGS).

Hugh and is wife, Linda, an elementary school teacher, have resided in Mission Viejo, CA since 1988, after 16 years and nine homes in the corporate world. Son, Doug, and daughter, Lindsay both reside in the Los Angeles area and are actively pursuing their own careers.