Kia Motors Recruits Designer Kang Won-kyu from BMW... Expert in Advanced Design

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Kia Motors announced on the 26th that it has recruited designer Kang Won-kyu, former Creative Director of Product Design at the German BMW Group, as Executive Director of the Kia Design Innovation Office to strengthen its design competitiveness.

Executive Director Kang, who will join Kia Motors this November, plans to establish Kia's advanced design strategy and future design direction, leading innovation in the interior and exterior design of upcoming vehicles.

Executive Director Kang has led various luxury car and concept car design projects at the German BMW Group. Based on this experience, he is expected to make significant contributions to strengthening Kia's advanced design capabilities.

Kia Design Innovation Director Kang Won-kyu, Executive Director

While working as an exterior designer at the BMW Group, Executive Director Kang served in the advanced design and project design departments in 2009. He participated in the exterior design of the 2013 BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe and the BMW 5 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), led the exterior design of the 2015 BMW Concept 3.0 CSL Hommage, and was responsible for the interface design project of the 2019 BMW XC, among other projects.

Executive Director Kang said, "It is an honor to join Kia Motors at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly changing. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have accumulated will contribute to Kia's development, and I look forward to working with Kia's creative talents."

Last year, Kia Motors recruited Karim Habib as Executive Director of the Kia Design Center, and in March this year appointed Johan Feis as Executive Director of the Kia Interior Design Office, continuously bringing in external talent to strengthen its design capabilities.

Executive Director Habib said, "Designer Kang is someone who can combine future mobility technology with progressive and modern exterior design. The automotive industry is changing very rapidly, and Kia Motors faces many challenges and opportunities. Designer Kang will lead our advanced design team well."