NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Just as Hankook Tire America Corp.'s first U.S. plant ramps up production in Clarksville, Tenn., the North American subsidiary has named a new president.
Hosung Suh, who the company said has garnered vast strategic planning experience during his career at Hankook, was named to the position, effective July 1.
Mr. Suh previously served as the senior vice president of Hankook Tire Co. Inc.'s Global Corporate Strategy Planning Division. He fills the role held by President Hee-se Ahn, who has led Hankook Tire America since January 2015.
Hankook said one of Mr. Suh's objectives is to grow the tire maker's presence in the American market.
"The United States market is very important to Hankook Tire," Mr. Suh said in a statement. "I am excited to join our outstanding team to achieve the company's goals in this region."
Commercial tire production at the South Korean tire maker's $580 million plant in Clarksville will start later this year. By 2018, the plant is expected to have the capacity to produce 16,000 units a day.
The factory's output is expected to generate approximately $500 million in annual sales revenue at full capacity, the company said in a 2016 financial statement, and provide Hankook the resources to boost its original equipment sales, especially in the premium sector.
The tire maker also recently moved its headquarters to Nashville, Tenn.
In his previous role, Mr. Suh was responsible for developing corporate strategy, leading enterprise transformation and identifying and executing business development for the Hankook Tire Group.
