Nokian Adds to R&D Team

Nokian Tyres Inc. has promoted Marcus Hancock to serve as senior manager of research and development in North America, effective Oct. 1.

Nokian officials say the promotion comes from Nokian wanting to extend its research and development capabilities in North America to better support the local market and serve its growing customer base in the United States and Canada. 

“Marcus has deep technical knowledge that will help us serve dealers and drivers like never before,” says Chris Ostrander, senior vice president of North America for Nokian Tyres.

“He will help us continue strengthening our product portfolio in the U.S. and Canada by incorporating feedback from our customers and partnering with our global team.”

The new R&D role allows Nokian Tyres to double down on sales and product development efforts in the North American market. The North American research and development unit is a local function working in close collaboration with Nokian Tyres Finland-led R&D activities.

“As our presence grows in North America, it is more important than ever to tailor our tires to the demands of drivers in the region,” says Teemu Soini, vice president of innovation and development at Nokian Tyres.

“Marcus is deeply qualified to help us incorporate the needs of American and Canadian customers into our product development process.”

Hancock has more than 35 years of experience as a tire design engineer, technical expert and global leader. He spent the formative years of his career at Cooper Tire, where he rose from a technical assistant position to general manager of Cooper’s European Technical Centre over a 19-year tenure.

He transferred to the role after working as quality manager at Nokian Tyres’ North American factory in Dayton, Tenn., since July 2023. Nokian Tyres set production records during his tenure at the facility, where it makes all-season and all-weather tires for the American and Canadian markets.

Nokian Tyres’ new R&D efforts are part of a broader growth initiative in North America. The company recently announced a nationwide partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD), as well as the hiring of Ostrander and Vice President of Sales Matt Leeper, among other investments in its sales operations.