GM Expands Company Design Chief’s Functions In China

GM just announced that it is expanding the functions of the company’s chief designer in China, country with the largest and most competitive automotive market in the world.

The automaker has appointed the current Vice President of Design of GM China and GM International, Stuart Norris, as the new Head of Design of SAIC-GM – the main joint venture of the American giant in the Asian country that is responsible for managing the Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet brands locally. GM decided to expand Norris’ existing functions to integrate and unify the implementation of its corporate design strategy in China.

“Stuart brings enormous experience in both advanced and production design as well as unparalleled insights in technological trends,” said GM Senior Vice President of Global Design, Michael Simcoe. “He will play an important role in integrating design and technology to meet the unique needs of the Chinese market,” he added.

GM recently said that Stuart Norris has assumed duties as SAIC-GM’s new chief design officer effective January 1^st, 2024 from the company’s corporate headquarters in Shanghai, reporting to SAIC-GM CEO Jingxiong Zhuang. At the same time, he continues to report to Simcoe as the manufacturer’s head of global design. This decision reflects the growing importance of design in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.

GM’s PATAC in Shanghai

In his new role, Stuart Norris is responsible for leading the overall design strategy for SAIC-GM and driving synergies between the PATAC design studio, GM China Advanced Design Center and GM’s global design footprint to create a comprehensive voice for China. As such, PATAC’s design team will report to Norris while maintaining a close relationship with PATAC’s engineering and product development department.

“Stuart has served as an important link providing Chinese market insights to influence GM’s global design,” said GM Executive Vice President and GM China President, Julian Blissett. “Stronger collaboration between GM Design and our joint ventures is instrumental for developing winning products for China in China,” he finished.

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