Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA), a Sumitomo Rubber Industries subsidiary based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, has hired Robert Liu as assistant vice president of product management, the company announced.
Liu joins with more than 30 years of experience across the tire and automotive industries. DTNA said that background will help steer its Dunlop and Falken brands into their next phase of product innovation and growth.
He began his career as a simulation engineer at General Motors, then spent 27 years at Continental Tire in roles spanning product R&D, sales and product management. Five of those years were an expatriate assignment in Shanghai, where he led product management and R&D for the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently he directed R&D for the American region, with a focus on replacement passenger light truck (PLT) tires.
In the new position, Liu is to spearhead product development and oversee PLT and truck and bus radial (TBR) products together with the product management team, with the stated aim of bringing compelling solutions to the market.
Ken Hsu, DTNA's vice president of marketing, said the company was excited to welcome Liu, describing his experience and leadership in the tire industry as well aligned with its goals for innovation and growth, and adding that his insights are expected to benefit product strategy going forward.