FAIRLAWN, Ohio — Kumho Tire USA Inc. has hired industry veteran Brian Buckham as managing director of its Kumho America Technical Center (KATC) in Fairlawn.
Mr. Buckham brings more than 30 years of tire and vehicle industry experience to the new position, including seven years with Kumho early in his career. He succeeds David Klekamp, who was general manager for two years, starting in September 2015.
"I have experience in rubber compounding, tread, mold cavity and tire construction design for OE and replacement, as well as managing sales and marketing teams," Mr. Buckham said.
He joins Kumho after five years with Goodyear, most recently as general manager, sales and marketing, retread systems.
"Our vision is to create more satisfied customers by delivering world-class products to the North American OE and replacement markets, all with the intent to drive more business to Kumho," Mr. Buckham said.
He also has worked for Hendrickson Corp., Continental Tire the Americas and Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., where he started his tire industry career in 1986.
Kumho opened the 20,400-sq.-ft. facility in Fairlawn, west of Akron, in 2001. The center employs 18, according to information provided by Kumho in 2016.
The center has taken on added significance for Kumho since the opening last year of its first U.S. plant, in Macon, Ga.