Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. has hired John Hagan as national sales vice president. Prior to accepting the position, Hagan (pictured) was senior director of sales operations at Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.
He replaced Armand Allaire, who left the company earlier this month to take over as vice president of marketing for Giti Tire USA Ltd.
Hagan comes to Kumho with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, the last four with Toyo. Most recently, he was responsible for passenger, light truck and commercial tire sales in the United States.
His hiring completes a reorganization of Kumho's sales operations.
In September, Kirk Papazian joined the company as vice president of sales for the Western Division; in November, Stephen Clave was named Kumho's vice president of sales for the Eastern Division. Both bring extensive experience to their new positions.
Papazian was formerly sales director for American Tire Distributors Inc. its Tire Pros Francorp franchise program. Prior to ATD, Papazian served as vice president of sales/Western Zone manager for Am-Pac Tire Distributors Inc., which ATD acquired in 2008.
Clave has more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the tire industry, including 12 years with Pirelli Tire North America Inc. Most recently, he was marketing manager for ATD/Tire Pros.
"By adding fresh minds, individuals with a long history in the industry, to an existing, strong foundation, we have the ability to seek and win many new opportunities in 2014 and beyond," says Hagan.
"In the one year I have been with Kumho Tire U.S.A., we have experienced a lot of change," says CEO and President Harry Choi. "Even with these challenges considered, I believe these changes will bring about opportunity for immense growth in the coming year.
"With an already strong, existing team, I know Hagan, Papazian and Clave will lead us into many years of long-term growth, success and prosperity."
