Current CEO, Hyunbum Cho now becomes as Chairman of Hankook & Company.

Current Chairman Yangrae Cho, who led Hankook Tire to become the sixth largest tire company in the world, will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Group.

As CEO Hyunbum Cho was instrumental in driving the company’s growth in the global market and elevating the premium image of the Hankook Tire brand to claim the sixth spot of largest tire brands in the world list in the midst of a volatile economy brought on by COVID-19.

Under Cho’s leadership, Hankook Tire blossomed into an open, horizontal organization and he has shown keen foresight for new growth engines and business opportunities, as demonstrated through the acquirement of a 57% stake in Preciseley Microtechnology Corp., a Canadian micro-mechanical (MEMS) company. His expanded role allows him to continue strengthening core business competitiveness and lead the Group to the future.

Hankook Tire also announced the appointment of three Executive Vice Presidents, three Senior Vice Presidents, and fourteen Vice Presidents. Bonhee Ku and Sanghoon Lee, both become Executive Vice Presidents.

North American appointments

On the North American front, Hankook Tire announced executive promotions at its N. A. headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. Curtis Brison becomes President of Hankook Tire North America succeeding Sooil Lee, who remains CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology.

Robert Williams has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Truck, Bus and Radial (TBR) sales; and Jong Jin (JJ) Park to Vice President, Marketing. “The North American market is critical to our global business strategy, and Curtis, JJ and Rob have been instrumental to accelerating our growth,” said Sooil Lee, President and CEO, Hankook Tire & Technology.

“Curtis has proven his strength as a sales leader with a strong commitment to customer success. Rob has demonstrated success throughout the TBR sector. JJ has driven marketing strategies that have had a positive impact throughout the region. All are integral members of the team, who will be essential to navigating the years ahead for Hankook throughout North America.

“Brison assumes the role of President of Hankook Tire North America, overseeing the U.S. and Canada regions. He has been instrumental in driving new product introductions and segment expansions in the U.S.”

“Hankook continues to bring the right combination of performance, innovation and quality to the development of our passenger and commercial tire portfolios,” said Brison. “I am honoured to work with our teams across North America to further drive innovation and success for Hankook and our customers throughout the tire industry.

Williams oversees all TBR tire sales at Hankook, including replacement and OE sales, and will continue to lead the TBR sales team and regional offices as Senior Vice President.

Park will oversee five teams as Vice President of Marketing—marketing strategy team, TBR marketing team, technical service team, America Regional Distribution Centers (RDC), operation team, and Canada sales subsidiary.

Bartek Choi will assume Park’s former role as U.S. Sales Innovation Director. In addition, Yong Sup (Peter) Jung has relocated to Hankook’s Asia-Pacific division with a focus on expanding brand recognition and market growth based in Jakarta, Indonesia.