WAYNE, N.J. – Hankook Tire has named Thomas Kenny its new vice president of technology and head of its Akron Technical Center in Uniontown, Ohio. Kenny will be responsible for managing various aspects of work at the Akron Technical Center, including development, testing and research for Hankook’s line of passenger car, light truck, original equipment and truck and bus tires sold in the U.S.
 
Kenny has more than 30 years of experience in the tire industry, 18 of which have been with Hankook at its Akron Technical Center. Prior to his new position, he spent 14 years in tire development and four years as manager, tire development and engineering at the technical center. Kenny replaces Ray Labuda following his recent retirement as vice president of Hankook’s Akron Technical Center after holding the position for 20 years.
 
“As one of the fastest-growing tire companies in the world, Hankook’s Akron Technical Center is one of our company’s most valuable resources,” said Byeong Jin Lee, president, Hankook Tire America Corp. “Our Technical Center in Ohio allows Hankook to develop leading technologies and tires not only for consumers, but for our original equipment partners as well.  I am glad to have Mr. Kenny leading our efforts at our Akron Technical Center.”