Hankook names Lee to head of US unit

Tire Business staff report

Wayne, New Jersey - Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has named Soo Il Lee president of its Hankook Tire America Corp. subsidiatry, effective 1 Dec, replacing H. Y. (Greg) Pae, who will return to the company's global headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, after five years with the US unit.

Mr. Lee is a 22-year veteran of Hankook, serving since December 2006 as vice president of the marketing department at the parent company. He also will be chief operating office for Hankook's business operations throughout the Americas, including growth and marketing strategies for the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Hankook said.

Mr. Lee has had two prior overseas assignments during his career, managing Hankook's business operations in Saudi Arabia from 1998 to 2000 and France fom 2001 to 2003.

Mr. Pae transferred to Hankook Tire America in 2004 and took over the reigns in December 2006. He will become vice president, marketing strategy planning division for Hankook Tire, overseeing the company's global marketing strategy and supply chain management departments. He will be responsible for global marketing, product planning, distribution channels, new market development and supply chain management including planning, innovation and export logistics, the company said.

Under Mr. Pae's leadership, Hankook Tire America has experienced market share and sales growth. Most recently the unit reported 26.7-percent growth in the third quarter.

“When I arrived in North America more than six years ago, I came with a passion to succeed,” Mr. Pae said. “I am leaving now with a great deal of pride in the results we have achieved in terms of increasing Hankook brand value, expanding distribution and sales, growing our market share and managing our business assets.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated employees and Hankook customers who have helped to shape our success. My experience here has been invaluable and I look forward to the new responsibilities and challenges that await as we press forward in our mission to make Hankook Tire a top five global manufacturer and one of the most respected companies in our industry.”

Mr. Lee has a Master's Degree in Business from Michigan State University. He and his family will be relocating to New Jersey from Korea for the position.

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Hankook names Lee to head of US unit from Tire Business (a Crain publication)