SHANGHAI (Dec. 7, 2015) — SD International (SDI), distributor of the Pace, Zeta and Toledo truck radial tire brands as well as the Zeta passenger/light truck tire lines, has hired Dan Wheeler to spearhead the Chinese company's expansion in North America.
Mr. Wheeler, previously vice president of sales and marketing for Hankook Tire America Corp., has more than 35 years experience in the retail, wholesale/distribution and manufacturing businesses, according to Shanghai-based SDI.
“I've worked for some fantastic companies in the past and had the opportunity to see what works,” Mr. Wheeler said. “I see tremendous business model synergies from SD International and I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to work with this team. They're great people and, frankly, that makes all the difference. I see us pursuing a like-minded customer base going forward.”
Founded in 2002, SDI markets private and exclusive tire brands throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, UAE, Australia and Russia, as well as in several South American countries, Mexico, and Canada.
“We feel that increasing our footprint in North America is the next logical step in our company's growth,” said Mike Zhang, SDI's managing director and a founding partner.
“Expanding into the U.S. market provides a great opportunity for relationship-driven marketers to thrive, despite the challenges presented by the tariff situation,” Mr. Zhang said, noting a potential void from the uncertainties created by the anti-dumping and countervailing duties the U.S. imposed this year on imported consumer tires from China.
