One retirement, two appointments at Hankook Tyre UK

Mark Eatwell has succeeded Chris Baxter as Technical Services Manager at Hankook Tyre UK. Baxter retired on 31 January, bringing a 43-year career within the tyre industry to a close. The company has also appointed Mark Hutchinson its PCR Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands.

During his 14 years with Hankook Tyre UK, Baxter has witnessed the company’s growth from its very first office in London, which the company moved into in 1994, to the current 357,221 square foot (33,187m²) state-of-the-art logistics facility in Daventry. Speaking of his time at Hankook, Baxter said: “It is with some sadness to leave such a good company to work for, it is a happy and enjoyable place to be, and I will miss my work colleagues. However, it is time to move on to retirement and enjoy the time to travel and pursue hobbies and interests.”

Baxter’s successor Mark Eatwell joined Hankook Tyre UK at the beginning of December 2023. Eatwell has extensive experience in the tyre industry, having held senior technical roles abroad within the PCR, TBR and Motorsport sectors at Pirelli and more recently as Operations Manager for ATS Euromaster.

“This is a great opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to working for a global tyre company that invests in their product and people,” says Eatwell. “Chris is held in high regard within the organisation, and I aim to maintain this reputation for the UK Technical Department.”

Hutchinson in Midlands PCR role

Hankook Tyre UK has also named Mark Hutchinson its new PCR Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands. Hutchinson has spent 15 years in the tyre industry, joining Hankook in November 2023 from Point S, where he served as Business Development Manager. Further prior experience includes roles at Michelin. Having already built many strong relationships, Hankook believes that Hutchinson will be a key asset to the team.

“I am excited to be working with a great premium tyre manufacturer and look forward to adding further value to the Hankook brand,” says Hutchinson. “Throughout my career, I have been in sales-focused roles looking after independent dealers, regional wholesalers, blue light and regional fleets. Hankook is a great brand with a fantastic range of products and I’m happy to be working with such a professional team.”

Major assets to the team

Commenting on these latest changes, Chang-Yool Han, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK, said: “We are very sad to see Chris retire from Hankook Tyre UK as he had a pivotal role in establishing the Technical Service Department in the UK and supporting the technical teams across our other sites in Europe. We have ambitious growth plans here in the UK and after a rigorous and wide-ranging selection process, we are delighted to have appointed Mark Eatwell and Mark Hutchinson to join Hankook. They have extensive industry experience and will undoubtedly become major assets to the team.”