Thomas joins Falken as sales/marketing VP

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2016) — Sumitomo Rubber North America has rehired Darren Thomas to be senior vice president, sales and marketing, for Falken Tire Corp.

Mr. Thomas returns to the company where he was vice president of sales and marketing for Falken from 2002 to 2008. He most recently managed Franzen Hill Corp., a petroleum contractor for his family in central California.

Mr. Thomas will be responsible for passenger, light and medium truck tire sales and marketing efforts for the Falken, Ohtsu and private brand categories in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He will report directly to Richard Smallwood, president and CEO.

“I've been looking forward to a return to the tire industry for the past six years. SRI's (Sumitomo Rubber Industries') obvious commitment to make Falken a globally recognized brand through the rapid expansion of OE fitments, a global marketing campaign, and the strongest product line ever, makes my return home to Falken very sweet indeed,” Mr. Thomas said.

“I'm excited to reconnect with our dealer base and immediately take the lead in the continued evolution of the Falken brand and its distribution. It's time to take Falken back to its Tier 2 roots and provide our dealer base with a brand that provides solid margins and product that moves efficiently through the distribution network.”

Mr. Thomas plans to realign the sales and marketing departments as well as develop the 2017 dealer program.

“Our goal is to provide a clear and compelling 2017 dealer program well in advance of 2017 so that we can hit the ground running on Jan. 1,” he said.