Kia Motors Recruits Former Mercedes, BMW Auto Designers to Lead EV Transition in Europe and China

Kia Motors appointed former Mercedes-Benz and BMW chief designers to head its design centers in Europe and China. The South Korean automobile manufacturer announced that Oliver Samson had been hired as the senior chief designer of its Europe center. At the same time, Lim Seung Mo will lead its China design center.

As per Electrek, Kia Motors announced the appointment on Tuesday, March 26. Samson and Lim’s appointments take effect on April 1.

New Designers for EV Transition

In any case, one of Kia Motors’ goals for bringing the former designers of Mercedes-Benz and BMW to its organization is for them to help with automotive designs, improve technology, and ultimately bolster sales. Samson and Lim are also expected to apply their expertise and knowledge as the company moves towards its push for an EV shift.

With the extensive experience acquired through their leadership at the most prominent global vehicle brands, Kia Motors believes Samson and Lim will play a role in strengthening its brand’s design team as it gradually transitions to electric vehicles.

The newly appointed designers will lead their respective design teams to create the next generation of auto designs for Kia vehicles. Their work will include designs, materials, concepts, and EV models. Furthermore, their tasks and projects will support the company’s main design hub in South Korea, where designs are processed from plans to conceptualizations.

About Oliver Samson and Lim Seung Mo

The Korea Herald reported that Lim Seung Mo will head the Kia Design Center in China. He started his career in the auto industry by joining the BMW Group in 2010. He was the team leader for the exterior design of the company’s BMW i4 and Series 4 models. Later, he moved to Didi Chuxing Technology and Geely Motors for new leadership roles related to design innovation in EVs.

Oliver Samson will lead Kia’s Europe Design Center. Before this, his work experience included a designer role at Hyundai and Kia European Design Center in 2003. He also held executive job posts at Changan Automobile, Nio, and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz.

“I am incredibly excited to welcome Seungmo and Oliver to their new leadership positions within the Kia Design team,” Kia Global Design’s executive vice president, Karim Habib, said of the appointments via press release. “By uniting a diverse team of talented individuals with unique perspectives, we can truly embody the philosophy behind Opposites United, better allowing us to deliver truly inspirational and impactful design.”

Photo by: Hyundai Motor Group/Unsplash