Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has hired Robert Liu as assistant vice president of product management, the company announced from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
DTNA said Liu will lead product development for the Dunlop and Falken brands as they enter what the company described as their next phase of product innovation and growth. In the role, he will oversee passenger light truck (PLT) and truck and bus radial (TBR) products with the product management team. The company said the appointment is intended to ensure the market receives compelling product solutions.
Liu brings more than 30 years of experience. He began his career as a simulation engineer at General Motors, then spent 27 years at Continental Tire in product research and development, sales and product management.
His Continental tenure included five years in Shanghai as an expatriate, where he led product management and R&D for the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, he led R&D for the American region, with a focus on replacement PLT tires.
Ken Hsu, DTNA’s vice president of marketing, said the company was excited to welcome Liu and that his tire-industry experience and leadership aligned with its goals for innovation and growth. Hsu also said Liu’s insights were expected to benefit the company’s product strategies.