David Lyon appointed new Vauxhall design chief

David Lyon has been named as new GM Europe design. He replaces Mark Adams who assumes the role of executive director, global Cadillac and Buick design.

Lyon, who will begin his new role on August 1, is currently executive director North American interiors/global cross brand design and brand champion for Buick and GMC. He has extensive experience in both interior and exterior design for production and concept vehicles across many of GM’s brands.

His portfolio includes the Buick Enclave, which marked the brand’s resurgence, as well as the Chevrolet Volt, Corvette, Cadillac CTS and Escalade. Lyon is credited with recent GM’s infotainment systems including in-car internet connectivity.

The move is aimed to strengthen GM’s design organisation and align them more closely with the network of ten studios around the world. GM says the new structure places more emphasis on GM’s advanced design centres in the US, Germany, Korea, China and Australia.

Both Lyon and Adams will report to GM vice president, global design, Ed Welburn.

Other moves include Ken Parkinson, currently executive director, north American exterior design/global architecture strategy and Chevrolet brand champion appointed executive director, global Chevrolet and GMC design. Clay Dean, north American advanced design and Cadillac brand champion will become director, global advanced design to lead, integrate and coordinate advanced design globally.

Ed Welburn said: “This new structure provides a foundation to build and grow the design language for each of our brands moving forward. It gives our design teams a greater opportunity to create products and brands that have an emotional connection with our customers, and that continue to move our company forward."