Falken appoints Matt Smith as UK & Ireland head

Following news of his departure from South Korean manufacturer Kumho yesterday, Falken has appointed Matt Smith to lead its activities in the UK and Ireland. Smith brings with him over 15 years’ experience working in the UK tyre industry. Smith is tasked with building sales of Falken’s fresh tyre range that includes five new launches since the start of the year.

“I am delighted to be joining Falken at this exciting time,” says Smith. “As a strong and established brand, it has the potential to achieve even greater growth here in the UK and Ireland.” Smith is looking forward to working with Falken’s distributors, providing the technical and commercial support to be able to sell its range that stretches from its flagship Azenis FK453 and off-road WildPeak right through the energy efficient ZIEX 914 and to the classic Sincera tyre. One of Smith’s first jobs will be the successful roll out of the recently announced HS449 Eurowinter tyre, offered for the first time in the UK this year.

“As we grow our business in the UK, Matthew’s experience and knowledge of the UK tyre market will provide crucial support to distributors keen to benefit from the consumer demand for efficient and cost effective tyres from brands they can trust,” adds Isamu Ishida, managing director of Falken Tyre Europe.

Smith’s appointment was effective 10 September 2012.