Hankook Tire America Corp. is a Seoul-based tire manufacturing company that has spread its operations all over the world. Founded in South Korea, the company has become a major player in the U.S. tire market. It delivers high quality and reliable products while leveraging on technology, marketing, and efficient manufacturing processes.
On January 3, 2020, the company announced Soo II Lee as its president. He was the President and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S.-based branch between 2009 and 2012. He takes over from Hosung Suh, who has been the president since July 2017. Suh will take a new position in the Seoul-based branch which serves as the headquarters for Hankook.
Speaking about his new position, Lee said that he is looking forward to leading the Hankook team based in America. He is excited about continuing the growth of the branch and implementing the necessary strategies that will help it become a global leader in tire production.
Lee has a Masters in Business Administration from Michigan State University which he acquired in 1996. He started his career at Hankook in 1987 and went on to work as an executive in different positions. He was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2009 for the American headquarters. In 2017, he was made the Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Corporate Management Officer at the global headquarters in Seoul. He was then promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of the global headquarters in 2018.
Here is a look at his background:
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Name: |
Soo Il Lee |
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Title/Position: |
Hankook Tire & Technology, President & COO |
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Hankook Tire America Corp., President |
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Date of Birth: |
1962 |
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Education: |
1996. Michigan State University, MBA, USA |
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1987. Kyungpook National University, Bachelor of Arts in Trade |
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Key Experience: |
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2019 |
Hankook Tire & Technology, President & COO |
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(Renamed: Hankook Tire → Hankook Tire & Technology) |
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2018 |
President & COO |
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2017 |
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Corporate Management |
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2016 |
Executive Vice President & COO of China Headquarters |
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2013 |
Senior Vice President & COO of China Headquarters |
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2009 |
Senior Vice President & COO of America Headquarters |
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1987 |
Joined Hankook Tire |
According to Suh, Lee has a lot of knowledge and experience on how Hankook operates. He is a key asset in helping the company elevate its brand and growth within the region. He is also quite versed with the value that customer service and commitment have in achieving excellence. One of the most important goals for the tire manufacturer this year is to produce high-quality Hankook tires for North American consumers.
Suh was able to lead the team in opening Hankook’s first 1.5-million-square-foot facility in Clarksville, Tennessee during his time as President. The manufacturing plant was able to expand the company’s global footprint by further emphasizing its commitment to innovation, growth, and technology. The plant has also helped boost the economy of Clarksville. It has enabled Hankook to include sustainable construction and design into its manufacturing process. This has been through taking advantage of its automated manufacturing process and top-tier technology.
Lee is expected to handle the plant in Tennessee as well as that which is based in Seoul. He will exclusively focus on innovation, competitiveness, and results at the plant in America. He will also guide the process of putting in place strategic initiatives that will enhance the company’s competitiveness.
Hankook plans to answer the “how” and “why” questions that will provide innovation breakthroughs. These breakthroughs will provide opportunities for the tire manufacturer to expand its market share. Questions surrounding research and development will be studied to help achieve results.