Lee to Take Over At Hankook Tire America

Jan. 3, 2020

Hankook Tire America Corp. has announced that Soo II Lee will become its president, effective this month. Lee succeeds Hosung Suh, who began his term as Hankook Tire America president in July 2017. Lee most recently served as president and chief operating officer of Hankook's American headquarters.

Suh will return to Hankook’s global headquarters in Seoul, Korea, to take on a new position.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead Hankook Tire’s team in America,” says Lee. “As we move into this new decade, I am excited about being able to continue the growth of our American headquarters, as well as implement the necessary strategic initiatives that will continue our goal of becoming a global leader in the tire industry.”

Lee started with Hankook in 1987. Since then, he has held many executive-level positions. In 2017, he was named executive vice president and chief marketing officer, as well as chief corporate management officer, at Hankook's global base, before assuming his most recent role.

“As a proven leader, Lee brings his wealth of Hankook knowledge and experience back to America,” said Hosung Suh, outgoing America headquaters president. “He will help us continue to elevate our brand and continue our growth in the region. He also understands the value of customer service and our commitment to excellence in manufacturing high-quality products for North American consumers.”

Lee, who will split his time between Hankook’s America headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. and its home office in Seoul, will specifically focus on these three key themes, according to Hankook officials: competitiveness, innovation, and results.

"Strategic initiatives will be put in place to enhance Hankook’s competitiveness in the tire industry. Additionally, Hankook will focus on and seek answers to 'why' and 'how' questions in order to provide innovation breakthroughs that will help garner a share of the market."