Linglong appoints new European sales director for speciality tires

Hanover, Germany – Linglong Germany GmbH has appointed Jean Paul Spijker as director sales and marketing, speciality tires, effective 1 Dec.

Spijker is Linglong’s first expert hired for off-road, industrial, construction machinery and agricultural tires, said Linglong's announcement.

His appointment signals the group’s commitment to “ambitious growth plans in Europe,” added the statement issued 14 Dec.

A trained mechanical engineer, Spijker has “many years of experience” in the tire industry, having previously served as VP sales global OEM at Alliance Tire Europe BV.

He has also worked as managing director at Czech tire maker Mitas, now part of Yokohama Rubber Industries.

Most recently, Spijker served as country manager Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux for Maxam Tires, part of Chinese tire major Sailun Group.

Commenting on Linglong’s “major growth targets”, Spijker said the market in Europe was of “extraordinary importance” for the Chinese-base tire maker.