Kumho fills several VP positions

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2013) — Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. recently filled several key executive positions.

The Rancho Cucamonga-based tire maker hired John Hagan as national sales vice president, Kirk Papazian as vice president of sales for the western division, and Stephen Clave as vice president of sales for the eastern division.

Mr. Hagan, a 20-plus-year industry veteran, most recently was responsible for sales in passenger, light truck and commercial tires for Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., Kumho said.

He fills a position vacated recently by Armand Allaire, who left Kumho to become vice president of marketing for Giti Tire USA Ltd., the North American distribution arm of China's GITI Tire Pte. Ltd.

Formerly sales director for American Tire Distributors Holdings Inc., Mr. Papazian started in his new position with Kumho in September. Prior to working for ATD, he served as vice president of sales/western zone manager for Am-Pac Tire Distributors Inc., which was bought out by ATD in 2008.

Mr. Clave brings more than 15 years' experience in sales and marketing roles to Kumho, including 12 years with Pirelli, the company said. Most recently he worked for ATD.