Ed Welburn has announced that he is retiring from his post as General Motors’ head of global design, effective July 1.
Welburn, 65, started his career at GM 44-years ago. Welburn ascended to head of GM design in 2003 and took over the automaker’s global design studios in 2005. Under his lead GM established 10 design centers in seven countries.
“GM Design is among the most respected and sought-after organizations in the industry because of Ed’s leadership. He nurtured a creative, inclusive and customer-focused culture among our designers that has strengthened our global brands,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO.
Michael Simcoe, vice president of GM International Design, will be taking over the reins from Welburn. A 33-year GM veteran, Simcoe started his career in 1983 as a designed from GM’s Australian Holden division. Smile climbed through the ranks, eventually landing the position of executive director of North American Exterior design in 2004. In that role he oversaw the design of the GMC Terrain, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CTS. Most recently he’s credited for developing the Buick Avenir concept car.
May 1 will be Simcoe’s first day on the job. He’ll take over full time for Welburn on July 1, becoming the seventh design leader in GM’s history.
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