The Belgian automotive design maestro is back at Hyundai after a short hiatus.
Hyundai Motor Group has recently announced the return of famed automotive designer Luc Donckerwolke to the brand.
Having resigned from the South Korean automaker in March citing health and personal reasons, the Belgian is once again back at Hyundai with a new position of Chief Creative Officer (CCO). He also still retains his position as Executive Vice President of Hyundai and will be currently based out of the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center in Germany.
Once the design director of the Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG), Luc Donckerwolke is probably most well known for his works on the Lamborghinis of the 2000s, the likes of the Murcielago and the Gallardo. In 2016 however, he left the German automotive giant and had made the switch to the Hyundai Motor Group. Thereby becoming their Chief Design Officer and hence overseeing the design for the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands till his sudden departure in March of this year.
In his recent return to the brand, the automaker states that ‘CCO Donckerwolke will be in charge of design-related communications about topics such as Genesis brand, dedicated BEV lineup brand IONIQ and fuel cell vehicles.’ Reading between the lines, this means that the design maestro will be overseeing the design work for Hyundai’s Genesis luxury arm and the new Ioniq EV subdivision.
A perfect fit then, as it was him after all who was responsible for some of the most bold and daring designs within the marque’s umbrella after all. Of which the portfolio includes cars like the Genesis G80 and the upcoming Tucson, not to mention the Prophecy EV and Genesis Essentia concept cars.
It is worth noting however that the design direction of the group will probably have little change, not least because the Belgian only took leave for six months. The Korean automotive conglomerate has stated that ‘Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands’ design work will continue to be overseen by existing management. SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center and Genesis Global Design, will continue to lead design for Hyundai & Genesis brands. Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, will continue to lead design for Kia brand.’
Nevertheless, if the lineup of cars in Hyundai, Kia and Genesis has anything to say about the current state of automotive design, it will be foolish to expect none other than a continuation of the bold and/or beautifully designed cars emerging from these South Korean marques in the near future.
PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced it has appointed Luc Donckerwolke to new company position, Chief Creative Officer (CCO). He resumes his career as Executive Vice President and his office will be located at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center.
CCO Donckerwolke will be in charge of design-related communications about topics such as Genesis brand, dedicated BEV lineup brand IONIQ and fuel cell vehicles.
Donckerwolke originally joined the Group in 2016, gradually overseeing design for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands as the Chief Design Officer before resigning in March to focus on his health. Donckerwolke is returning to the Group following temporary time away in which he took to take care of personal matters.
“It is with great honor and pride that I start this second chapter at Hyundai Motor Group to consolidate creativity. In collaboration with design teams, I will communicate diversity and richness of Group brands’ design, which is not only technologically dynamic but also customer-centric,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and CCO of Hyundai Motor Group.
Donckerwolke is considered a perfect fit for the new role of CCO as he has been deeply involved in establishing the current design direction and strategy for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.
As the Group’s representative, Donckerwolke will enhance brand position for Hyundai Motor Group, leveraging vast experience not only as a car designer but as a proven leader. He actively fosters design talents and has established a work environment that encourages proactive communication among peers.
He will also seek ways to collaborate with industry-leading designers as well as spearhead design studies for future mobility.
As CCO, Luc Donckerwolke will collaborate with design centers in their development and design communication for concept vehicles of Hyundai Motor Group’s various brands. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands’ design work will continue to be overseen by existing management. SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center and Genesis Global Design, will continue to lead design for Hyundai & Genesis brands. Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, will continue to lead design for Kia brand.
