Press
Falken Tyre Europe GmbH today announces the appointment of Hiroshi Hamada as its new Managing Director, Chairman & CEO.
Hamada has enjoyed 33 years at Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), initially joining the company back in 1992 – then named The Ohtsu Tire & Rubber Company. In 2018, Hamada became Vice President of SRI China and President of Dunlop Tire in China. From2024, Hamada continues to serve as Senior Executive Officer of SRI.
His deep industry expertise will foster stronger collaboration across the company’s European operations - a cornerstone of the brand’s long-term growth strategy.
Hiroshi Hamada, Managing Director, Chairman & CEO of Falken Tyre Europe, says: "I am honoured to lead Falken Tyre Europe at this exciting juncture with Dunlop. With Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ global expertise and Falken’s legacy of performance and innovation, we are uniquely positioned to strengthen our European operations and deliver value to customers. I look forward to achieving new milestones together with my dedicated and talented colleagues.”
Markus Bögner, Managing Director and President of Falken Tyre Europe, comments: "Hiroshi Hamada’s appointment is a strategic step forward for Falken Tyre Europe. His 33 years of experience at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, including numerous leadership roles, bring invaluable insight to our European growth ambitions. Working closely together, we will reinforce the brand’s partnerships, innovate across our product lines and uphold the trust of our customers."
Falken is reinforcing its position as a sporty, multi-segment tyre brand at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026. The exhibition presence addresses the passenger car, off-road and commercial vehicle sectors alike, with a strong focus on the design of technical performance characteristics for use under realistic operating conditions.
Despite a strong performance, Falken Motorsports did not have the necessary racing luck at this year’s ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. After an impressive comeback, the Japanese tyre manufacturer’s team was forced to end the race prematurely in the first half following an unfortunate accident. Up until that point, Klaus Bachler, Morris Schuring, Sven Müller, and Tim Heinemann had been battling for top positions in front of more than 350,000 spectators along the Nordschleife, steadily working their way up the field with consistently fast lap times.
The tyre brand Falken, which belongs to Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH has been selected as one of three finalists for the inaugural Service Award. Presented by the Federal Association of Tyre Retailers and Tyre Repairers (BRV, Bonn), this new award recognises those in the tyre industry who, from the retail sector’s perspective in the passenger car/light commercial vehicle tyre segment, stand out for exceptional service and a trust-based partnership.