Nexen hires Thomas; Aben departs

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 24, 2015) — Nexen Tire America has hired industry veteran John Thomas as senior vice president of corporate accounts and western region, and announced that John Aben, senior vice president of sales, has left the company.

Mr. Thomas brings more than 40 years of experience to his new job, including time with Michelin North America, Yokohama Tire Corp., Treadways/Sumitomo Tire, and most recently with Giti Tire (U.S.A.) Ltd., where he was vice president of sales.  

His responsibilities will include managing all corporate accounts as well as overseeing the Western Region sales team.  

“I am looking forward to the task of helping Nexen grow its market share with our key accounts,” Mr. Thomas said. “We have a great product, we are starting to build a great brand, and now it's time to execute our strategies within the channel.”

Nexen said Mr. Aben, who had been with Nexen for 10 years, “was instrumental in establishing the Nexen brand in the U.S. after its initial launch in 2000,” helping grow the Korean brand to a 3-percent market share.

“John's efforts at Nexen were key to making us a success over the past decade,” said Nexen Tire America CEO James Kwon. “We greatly appreciate everything he has given us, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Aben's plans were not disclosed.