The Hyundai-Kia group has been hiring a raft of designers from Europe, and has now added another to its ranks in Pierre Leclercq.
Born in Belgium and educated in California, Leclercq started his career with Zagato and Ford's Ghia studio in Italy before climbing up the ranks at BMW – first as an exterior designer in Los Angeles, then in Munich where he ultimately served as design chief for the M performance division.
Leclercq left the Bavarian automaker in 2013 to take up office as head of design at Great Wall Motors, but is now leaving the Chinese automaker to assume a new role as head of styling for Kia. He'll find himself in good company at the Korean giant, working under group design chief Peter Schreyer (formerly of the Volkswagen Group, pictured second from left, below).
Hyundai also tapped Luc Donckerwolke (third from left, also from VW) to run the Genesis design department, and former Bugatti designer Alexander Selipanov (fourth from left) to work with him. The company also recently picked up former BMW M chief engineer Albert Biermann (fifth from left) to run its N performance sub-brand.
“Pierre Leclercq has a unique insight into global vehicle design, and brings with him the necessary experience and expertise to help reinforce Kia’s design identity in the coming years.” said Schreyer. “Design has played a key role in the transformation of the Kia brand, and Pierre will help to ensure our design-led approach remains consistent across new model launches in new segments.”
In his new job, which he starts this month, Leclercq will direct Kia's design strategy and coordinate between the company's design studios in Korea, China, Europe, and the United States.
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