Hankook Tyre UK appoints new regional sales, national accounts managers

Appointments follow retirements of John Spilsbury and David Block

Hankook Tyre UK has appointed Andy Hodkin as its new regional sales manager, North East, and James Young as national accounts manager. Hodkin succeeds John Spilsbury, who has retired after nine years with the company, while Young takes up the position vacated by David Block, who retired on 1 July.

Andy Hodkin has spent 27 years in the industrial tyre business, so has significant knowledge and experience of the industry. Having already built many strong relationships, Hankook says Hodkin will be a key asset to the team, following Spilsbury’s success in the role.

He says: “It’s an amazing opportunity for me to be able to join Hankook, a global tyre manufacturer that has a worldwide presence. I am excited to be working with a great team and look forward to adding further value to the Hankook brand. I am grateful of the time I’ve had with John during our handover period and thank him for the way he has supported me during my integration into Hankook.”

John Spilsbury commented: “I’ve spent my entire career in the tyre industry, so it’s now time to hand over to Andy. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years at Hankook, working with a small but very successful team and having watched the company as a whole grow from strength to strength. Having worked closely with Andy over the past few weeks I’m confident he will continue to build upon existing relationships, as well as using his experience and knowledge to further expand Hankook’s presence in the North East. I would like to wish everyone at Hankook Tyre every success for the future and thank everyone for their friendship and support, to make the job so enjoyable.”

National accounts manager

Hankook appointed James Young as retail development manager in 2018 and will continue to collaborate with customers to provide the most up to date product and industry training. Young’s previous industry experience will assist in building and strengthening customer relations and expanding Hankook’s portfolio in the UK car tyre market.

UK managing director Chang-Yool Han said of the latest appointments: “Both of our new appointments demonstrate Hankook’s ambitious growth plans here in the UK. James has been at the forefront of Hankook’s retail development since 2018, offering a consistent and highly distinctive brand experience to retail depots. In his new role James will be responsible for supporting the ongoing development of Hankook’s National key accounts and focus on a wide range of routes to market including the UK’s premium car dealership networks. We are also delighted to welcome Andy to Hankook. Andy’s extensive industry experience, professionalism and highly motivated work ethic shall without doubt witness him become a major asset to the team.”