GM Design Chief Ed Welburn Announces His Retirement
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Current General Motors Design Chief, Ed Welburn, has announced his tenure as the man behind GM design will end. Welburn notified his team he will retire come July 1, 2016.
Welburn has left a legacy at General Motors, spanning a 44-year career at the automaker. He was named head of GM design in 2003, and led the automaker’s global design since 2005, becoming the first African American to do so at any automaker.
“GM Design is among the most respected and sought-after organizations in the industry because of Ed’s leadership. He nurtured a creative, inclusive and customer-focused culture among our designers that has strengthened our global brands,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO.
Under Welburn, GM Design built a network of 10 design studios across the globe, spanning the U.S., Germany, South Korea, China, Australia, Brazil and India with a team of more than 2,500 creative men and women.
Mark Reuss, Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, recognized Welburn for his creative imprint on four decades of iconic vehicles and his leadership in identifying and developing world-class talent.
“Ed’s team turns out one award-winning product after another … and his strong bench will keep GM Design on top for years to come,” Reuss said.
Welburn shaped some of GM’s most defining product of the ’00s and ‘010s including, but certainly not limited to, the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Volt, Buick Riviera concept, Cadillac CTS coupe, Buick Avenir, Holden Coupe 60 concept, Cadillac Elmiraj, C7 Corvette Stingray and much more.
Michael Simcoe, a 33-year veteran of GM Design and vice president of GM International Design, has been tapped to replace Welburn and will begin transitioning into his new role May 1.
We take this space to thank Mr. Welburn for some incredible design over the many years he oversaw the creativity.
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A job well done.
To bad more of his designs did not make it to market.
I’ll miss his work. He’s behind many of the designs that changed the game for GM’s brands. I just hope they don’t undo his styling directions after he leaves.
Ed is a good man, thanks
Congratulations to Ed Welburn and best wishes for a fun-filled retirement! He’s always seemed like a wonderful guy and has many impressive accomplishments to show.
I would have thought he would want to have seen the C8 (mid engine) project through to it’s end before retiring, I’m sure we are in good hands with Micheal though!
Here’s to you Ed,Thank you, you’ve done us all proud.
Ed did well in very trying times and at times with very limited resources. Few others could have done as well.
I hope his retirement is enjoyable as it was well earned.
As for the C8 He may have already seen it through as his part of the deal may be done. He can still be at the coming out when it is time.
I’m not surprised, in light of all his recent accolades and victory tour.
Not being negative – designer, soft-spoken, kind person. Even Lutz respected him.
Amazing that a kind soul with the heart of an artist was given room to work – and patient enough to watch some of their best designs get shelved, and come back with another solution.
Stickler for precision, and presentation, lighting and color palletes.
Love to see a collection of the designs that were cut-down.
Good job, Mr Wellburn.
Scott3:
Yes, I’m sure the C8 is well on it’s way. With it possibley being of great significants (mid engine), I think for myself if I were in his shoes (I’m sure his feet are bigger then mine) “humor” I would be like my father.
He couldn’t let go of the Space Shuttle, he was with it from its conception till the end (he retired at 82 the day after the last landing, STS-135 Atlantis). Since I love the Corvette, I think that would be my script!
Well go back to Lutz. He was the father of the Volt and though retired he was there and predominate at the birth.
Timing for for programs many have been in play here. Keep in mind they are 5 years ahead of anything on the dealer lots or more. I am sure Ed has seen his last landing already and with new programs starting it was wiser to let the guy that would be responsible for them to take them from the start. I suspect that was what was in play.
Generally someone like Ed will be consulted and not lose their clearance to the tech center unless he goes to work for Hyundai.
Hoping the next chief likes visibility.
Job well done Ed. Glad you made retirement. Enjoy your golden years to the max. Just remember,”getting old is not for wimps”. Do what you want to do while you’re young and healthy since once your health is gone no sum of money will make your life better.
Congratulations on an exemplary career and your retirement! Enjoy it!