Hankook Tire America Corp. has named Todd Hershberger its new senior vice president of sales and marketing for the United States. The newly created position is in line with Hankook’s global sales and marketing initiatives to expand brand awareness, drive sales, and increase market share.

In recent years, Hankook has established a reputation as one the fastest growing tire makers in the world. Hershberger will be responsible for directing the company’s replacement tire sales and marketing efforts including directing Hankook’s field sales organization, corporate account managers and brand activities.

“Todd’s knowledge of the American market and extensive experience growing brands will be invaluable to Hankook,” says Greg Pae, president and COO, Hankook Tire America Corp. “As our business continues to grow in this region, I’m looking to him to manage and direct our sales and marketing functions and share his intimate knowledge of the U.S. market, providing strategic counsel where needed.”

Globally, this month Hankook Tire has announced an increase in sales of 10.8 percent quarter on quarter, along with an increase in operating profit of 310.2 percent quarter on quarter.

Hankook Tire America Corp. announced a significant jump in U.S. sales for the second quarter in a row, with sales up 22 percent from Q1 2009, an increase of more than $30 million. The majority of its sales growth was seen in Hankook’s replacement tire business.

Much of this growth can be attributed to Hankook’s launch of its new Ventus V12 evo high performance line of tires and its addition of sizes to its Dynapro ATm and Dynapro RT’03 product lineups. These moves have positioned the brand well among consumers seeking dependable, high value products backed by industry-leading warranties.

Hershberger has nearly 21 years of experience in the tire industry with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and its Kelly-Springfield division. He most recently served as director of Goodyear’s Dunlop and Kelly Brands. Prior to that assignment he served as general manager for Goodyear Brand Light Truck and SUV. He has extensive knowledge of wholesale and retail landscapes and existing relationships with some of Hankook’s largest customers.

Todd and his wife Sherry will be relocating from Uniontown, Ohio, to Wayne, New Jersey, for the position.

Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as medium truck and bus tires to more than 400 independent dealers through 3000+ retail sales locations in the United States and Canada.