Hyundai hires a new chief designer

Hyundai Motor America has hired former General Motors designer Philip Zak to head up its North American design team in Irvine, California. The Korean automaker’s Hyundai Design Center has been without a chief designer since the departure of Joel Piaskowksi, who later joined Mercedes-Benz’s Advance Design center in California.

Zak’s portfolio includes models such as the last-generation Oldsmobile Bravada, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Cobalt. He recently took up a posting as GM of Europe’s top stylist, where he oversaw Opel, Vauxhall and Saab.

Zak had spent 20 years at GM’s various operations and he will have big shoes to fill as he replaces the man who was partially responsible for Hyundai’s critically-acclaimed Genesis Coupe.

[Source: Leftlane News/Image: Jalopnik]

Posted in: Hyundai