Australia’s Mike Simcoe Named New GM Design Chief

Australia’s Mike Simcoe has climbed to the top of the tree with his employer, General Motors, having just been named the carmaker’s new chief designer.

Simcoe, a 33-year veteran of GM, will take the reins from another veteran in 65-year-old Ed Welburn - who has served 44 years with GM and will retire on May 1.

GM CEO Mary Barra praised Welburn’s contribution to the company, saying his leadership and creativity nurtured a “customer-focused culture” which strengthened GM’s global brands.

Simcoe becomes the first non-American to serve as GM design chief, and just the seventh person to fill the prestigious role.

Design