LONDON — Bridgestone Corp. and Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. have made a number of executive appointments at their United Kingdom subsidiaries.
Bridgestone promoted Greg Ward to north region commercial business unit director, replacing the retiring John Follis, and rehired Brett Emerson to fill the of consumer business unit director, north region.
Mr. Ward has been the company's commercial sales director, U.K. and Ireland, for the past 17 years. His promotion "represents part of Bridgestone's succession planning after overseeing an unprecedented period of growth for the commercial team," Bridgestone said.
Mr. Follis is retiring after 24 years with the company.
Mr. Emerson previously had been a sales director at Warwick, Engalnd-based Bridgestone U.K. from 2002-14. He most recently was managing director of Hankook Tyre U.K.
Meanwhile, Hankook Tire has appointed Chang Yool Han as managing director of the U.K. subsidiary, effective from Oct. 1. Mr. Han has extensive knowledge in sales and marketing as well as several years' experience in the European market, the company said.
Prior to his new role at the Daventry-based subsidiary, he worked in the global marketing strategy team of the parent company in Seoul, South Korea.
In addition, he has expertise in logistics with a focus on supply-chain management as well as business experience from roles at Hankook's European HQ and subsequently its German subsidiary.
Mr. Han "has in-depth knowledge in both the tire business as well as the European market and can further develop our brand… in the U.K.,", Han-Jun Kim, president of Hankook Tire Europe, said.