QINGDAO, China — Chinese tire distributor Qingdao Nama Industrial Co. Ltd. has hired Jack Oh, formerly head of Nexen Tire America Inc., to be president of Nama Tire America, overseeing the company's growth in North America.
One of Mr. Oh's first tasks will be to set up a U.S./North American headquarters, most likely in southern California. His duties as president of the new company include sales and marketing functions, Qingdao Nama said.
Qindao Nama re-emerged in the North American market in the past several months as its manufacturing partners in Thailand and Vietnam brought on stream new factories, clearing the way for the company to market products not affected by the elevated U.S. import tariffs on Chinese tires.
The Qingdao-based company has been advertising the establishment of Nama Tires Inc. (USA), a U.S. sales office, since late 2018, but until now had been routing all sales inquiries back through China.
At last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nama Tires exhibited ranges of radial truck tires manufactured in Thailand and Vietnam along with a complement of passenger and light truck/SUV tires.
The next step for Nama Tires Inc. would be to set up distribution centers in the U.S., the company said, most likely in California and Texas.
A native of South Korea, Mr. Oh brings 30-plus years' experience in various executive positions with Nexen Corp., including director and president of Nexen Tire America for nearly 12 years and eight years as head of Nexen Tire Canada.