Hankook Restructures German Sales and Marketing Leadership

Hankook has reorganised its sales and marketing operations in Germany and Denmark, placing Manfred Zoni in overall charge of the German functions. Effective from 1 July 2026, the change combines responsibility across its business units as the manufacturer seeks quicker commercial decisions and closer coordination with customers and distribution partners.

A broader commercial role

Zoni was previously Hankook’s Sales Director and Head of Sales Truck & Bus in Germany. He will now coordinate sales and marketing activities across the company’s consumer and commercial tyre operations.

The appointment gives one executive responsibility for functions previously managed across separate business areas. Hankook expects the arrangement to shorten internal communication routes and improve coordination between product teams.

Zoni said the new structure would create “shorter communication channels, faster response times and an even stronger customer focus”.

He added that clearer responsibilities should help the company respond more quickly to customers and target its market activity more effectively.

Regional responsibilities change

Claus Gömmel, previously responsible for consumer product sales, will become Head of Sales for Central Germany.

Soo Won Chang, Managing Director of Hankook in Germany, credited Gömmel with contributing to the company’s earlier commercial development. Chang said his market experience would remain important in the regional position.

The announcement describes a broader restructuring in Germany and Denmark. However, the detailed appointments released by Hankook relate mainly to its German sales organisation.

European growth raises the operational stakes

The reorganisation comes as Europe takes a larger role within Hankook’s international business. Tyre News recently reported that Europe accounts for around 45% of the manufacturer’s global sales, making it its largest regional market.

Hankook is also widening its European product and distribution offer. Its introduction of the Optimo passenger tyre sub-brand in Europe added another proposition alongside the Hankook and Laufenn ranges.

Laufenn has also expanded beyond its replacement-market roots. The brand now offers hundreds of passenger and commercial tyre sizes and has moved into European original equipment supply.

That wider portfolio increases the need for coordinated sales planning. Consumer, fleet, truck and bus customers often require different pricing, technical support and distribution arrangements.

Closer links between products and customers

The structural change may be particularly relevant to Hankook’s truck and bus activity. Zoni’s previous responsibility for that division gives the wider management team direct experience of fleet requirements and commercial tyre service models.

Hankook is preparing additional European truck and bus tyre capacity at its Rácalmás site in Hungary. The planned facility is expected to produce up to 800,000 units annually when fully operational. Tyre News has examined how that investment could support shorter truck tyre lead times and stronger European supply.

For dealers, distributors and fleets, the value of the restructure will depend on measurable service outcomes. These include quicker commercial responses, consistent account management and clearer access to technical and marketing support.

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Tagged with: Hankook Germany, Manfred Zoni, tyre industry appointments, tyre sales management, tyre marketing, European tyre market, fleet tyre business, truck and bus tyres, tyre distribution, customer service

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