[Gear Up!] Employee Spotlight Series Part 6 - Lance D. Johnson

Meet some of our staff members from around the world through our employee highlight series. Learn about their roles at our organization, their favorite aspects of work, how they've developed their careers, the obstacles they confront, and much more.

Discover our culture, people, and working methods!

Our second group of experts, from the OE divisions, are introduced after the NEXEN TIRE specialists from the motorsports divisions.

Meet our sixth interviewee Lance D. Johnson, Senior Manager - OE Key Accounts at NEXEN TIRE America!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Lance D. Johnson. I am honored to share a little bit about myself with you today. My wife (Ashley) and I are the proud parents of our son; Lance V. Johnson II.

I have held progressively more responsible positions in key sales and account management, business development, after sales training, marketing, supply chain & operations.

Among some of my accomplishments is the automobile industry's market-penetration growth, as well as exceeding attainment goals continuously year over year, for the last 15 years.

What is it like to be a part of?NEXEN TIRE? Can you describe the culture of NEXEN TIRE??

My time at NEXEN TIRE has been spent with incredible OE & Replacement market teams, which has given me the chance to achieve great professional success.

While the OE team in the North American Region has experienced exceptional growth thanks to new projects and alliances with important OEMs, our RE team has continued to lead the charge for many years after the OE development curve. Together, the two teams have generated a market synergy that is assisting us in growing the NEXEN TIRE brand.

What do you do at NEXEN and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?

I currently work for the North America & LATAM Customer Business Units as the Senior Sales Manager - OE Key Accounts.

I have managed significant accounts while serving in this capacity, including Stellantis, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia North America, Hyundai North America, and Daimler.

In these roles, I have had the pleasure of leading cross-functional teams, which include sales & operations, supply chain, accounts receivable, new business development, business finance and engineering support.

What led you to this career??

I have always had a passion for product & development from an engineering perspective and as I experienced how the different functions of organizations like NEXEN TIRE operate.

For our business to grow strategically and naturally, the cross-functional teams that I work with must work together effectively.

What do you like the most about your job??

The ability to freely exchange ideas and actually influence how the future of NEXEN TIRE is shaped is what I like most about our company.

Collectively, we at NEXEN TIRE are all-in, in regards to supporting healthy strategies that work towards the greater good for our customers, employees, as well as the company.

Do you have any unique skills that you feel play a part in your growth as a?job position?

Foundationally, the extensive education that I received during my time at the University of Toledo, both inside the classroom and out (Division 1 Football, National Officer for Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc., as well as various student government and ethical boards), prepared me for the beginning of my professional career.

However, what has lifted me up professionally to where I humbly am today, is the support and interaction with servant-leaders before me, that helped pave the way and show me how to navigate through challenges.

Business acumen only gets you so far, your sphere of influence is what elevates us to higher levels.