WAYNE, N.J. (Aug. 10, 2009) — Hankook Tire America Corp. has named former Goodyear executive Todd Hershberger its new senior vice president of sales and marketing for the U.S.
Hankook said the newly created position is in line with its global sales and marketing initiatives to expand brand awareness, drive sales and increase market share.
“Todd's knowledge of the American market and extensive experience growing brands will be invaluable to Hankook,” said Greg Pae, Hankook Tire America president and COO. “As our business continues to grow in this region, I'm looking to him to manage and direct our sales and marketing functions and share his intimate knowledge of the U.S. market, providing strategic counsel where needed.”
Mr. Hershberger has nearly 21 years of experience in the tire industry with Goodyear and its Kelly-Springfield brand. He most recently served as director of the tire maker's Dunlop and Kelly brands and, prior to that, was general manager for Goodyear-brand light truck and SUV tires.
Hankook said he also has “extensive knowledge of wholesale and retail landscapes and existing relationships with some of Hankook's largest customers.”
Mr. Hershberger and his wife Sherry will be relocating from Uniontown, Ohio, to Wayne, N.J., where Hankook Tire America is based.
Globally, Hankook Tire recently reported an increase in sales of 10.8 percent quarter on quarter, along with an increase in operating profit of 310.2 percent quarter on quarter. The firm's Hankook Tire America unit said it had a significant jump in U.S. sales for the second quarter in a row, with sales increasing 22 percent—more than $30 million—over the year's first quarter. The majority of its sales growth was in the company's replacement tire business.