Ken Cho, KC Jensen join Hankook N.A. sales leadership

NASHVILLE — Hankook Tire America Corp. has added Kyuwang "Ken" Cho and K.C. Jensen to its leadership team to drive sales in North America, the company announced Jan. 25.

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. announced last year aggressive plans for international growth by 2030 — including a major market in North America.

Cho, the vice president of U.S. passenger and light truck (P/LT) sales at Hankook America, comes from Hankook headquarters in Korea, where led sales initiatives that drove international market expansion as vice president of global sales, according to the company.

Cho brings "a deep understanding of diverse market dynamics and more than 25 years of experience with Hankook to this new role," the company said.

Jensen, meanwhile, has been named Hankook America vice president of P/LT sales, focusing on the West region and other strategic initiatives.

"He also will play a crucial role in leading strategic projects aligned with Hankook's ambitious growth plans in the U.S.," the company said.

Before joining Hankook in 2018, Jensen was part of the Michelin North America sales team.

"As we focus on continued growth in the U.S., Ken and K.C. each bring unique strengths to driving sales in the region," Rob Williams, president of Hankook America, said. "Ken offers a global perspective and expertise in both sales and strategic market growth that will continue our upward trajectory.

"K.C.'s leadership, strategic vision and dedication will help cement Hankook's position as a leader in the P/LT segment. We look forward to seeing Ken and K.C. work together to help us achieve further market penetration across the U.S," Williams said.

Hankook is currently the seventh largest tire maker in terms of tire sales, according to the Tire Business' 2023 Global Tire Report. But the company aims to be in the Top 5 by 2030.

Additionally, Hankook's 2030 goals include net sales of $13 billion; annual production capacity of 150 million units; No. 1 in EV profitability; EBITDA margin equal to or greater than 20%; and operating profit margin equal to or greater than 10%.