Ex-BMW M Division Designer Pierre Leclercq To Head Kia Motors Styling

Kia Motors has named Pierre Leclercq as its new Head of Styling. Leclercq will be based at Kia’s design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and will be responsible for developing a consistent design DNA across the growing Kia model range.

Leclercq takes up his new role at the end of September, working alongside Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, and Seon Ho Youn, Head of Kia Design Center in Korea.

The Belgian-born Leclercq will be responsible for developing Kia’s long-term design strategy, and lead design innovation for exteriors, interiors, materials, and textiles. He is also tasked with strengthening the synergy between Kia’s design studios in USA, Europe, China and Korea.

Mr. Leclercq graduated in 1998 from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California in the USA with a degree in Transportation Design. He began his design career in Italy at Zagato followed by Ford's Ghia studio, then went on to work for BMW in California and Munich as an exterior designer before becoming the head of design for the M performance sub-brand. Mr. Leclercq joins Kia from his latest position as Head of Design for Great Wall Motors, since 2013.

Peter Schreyer comments, “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. 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.”