Lee to replace Pae at Hankook Tire America

Nov. 11, 2009

Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has named Soo II Lee president of Hankook Tire America Corp., effective Dec. 1.

"In addition to his duties as president, Mr. Lee will also serve as COO for the company’s business operations throughout the Americas, including the overall growth and marketing strategies for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America," say Hankook officials.

Lee will replace H. Y. "Greg" Pae, who will be returning to the company’s global headquarters in Seoul, Korea, after spending the last several years as Hankook Tire America president and COO of Hankook’s business units in the Americas.

"Under Mr. Pae’s leadership, Hankook has enjoyed significant market share and sales growth as evidenced by the recently released third quarter results, which were highlighted by an astounding 26.7% (year-over-year) increase in sales for North America."

A 22-year Hankook veteran, Lee has worked for Hankook in a variety of positions, including managing Hankook’s business operations in Saudi Arabia from 1998 to 2000 and overseeing the same functions in France from 2001 to 2003. He also has served as marketing strategy team manager in Korea from 2004 to 2006, and was appointed to his current position of vice president, marketing, in December 2006.

Upon returning to South Korea, Pae -- who moved to Hankook Tire America in 2004 and was named president in December 2006 -- will assume the position of vice president, marketing strategy planning. He will oversee the company's global marketing strategy and supply chain management.

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