Daventry, UK, 13th February 2024 - Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced the retirement of its long serving Technical Services Manager, Chris Baxter, as well as the appointment of his successor, Mark Eatwell. The company has also appointed a new PCR Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands, Mark Hutchinson.
Chris Baxter has ended a 43 year career associated with the tyre industry, after spending the last 14 years at Hankook Tyre UK in Daventry. He has seen the transformation of Hankook Tyre UK from their very first office in London in 1994 to the planned new state of the art logistics facility of 357,221 sq. ft. in Daventry today. He retired on the 31st January 2024 and said of his time at Hankook, “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.”
Chris Baxter’s replacement as Head of Technical Services is Mark Eatwell. Mark has extensive experience in the tyre industry, having held senior technical roles abroad within the PCR, TBR and Motorsport sectors and more recently as Operations Manager for a large UK based tyre fitment centre. On joining Hankook Tyre UK at the beginning of December 2023, Mark said, “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. Chris is held in high regard within the organisation, and I aim to maintain this reputation for the UK Technical Department.”
Hankook Tyre UK has also appointed Mark Hutchinson to PCR Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands. Mark has spent 15 years in the tyre industry, so has significant knowledge and experience. Having already built many strong relationships, Mark will be a key asset to the team. Of his appointment Mark said, “I am excited to be working with a great premium tyre manufacturer and look forward to adding further value to the Hankook brand. 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.”
UK Managing Director, Chang-Yool Han said of the latest changes, “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."
Caption 1: Mark Eatwell (right) succeeds Chris Baxter as Technical Services Manager at Hankook Tyre UK.
Caption 2: Hankook Tyre UK has appointed Mark Hutchinson to PCR Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands.
