Ex-Holden Designer Simcoe has been promoted again, now Senior VP of GM

Former Holden chief designer, Australian Mike Simcoe, has gone on to the highest levels of management at General Motors (GM).

Starting January 1, Mr Simcoe will move into the role of senior vice president of Global Design, who previously served as vice president without being tagged ‘senior’.

The company told shareholders that the new title for GM’s chief designer “means the continued emphasis on design as GM accelerates its transition to an all-electric future.”

Mr. Simcoe has led GM’s Global Design Division since 2016, after his work in Australia and Asia Pacific drew attention from the top. Prior to that, he was responsible for design in GM’s international markets.

He joined GM in 1983 as a designer at Holden in Australia, became GM Design Director Asia Pacific in 1995 and chief operating officer in 2003, then moved on to chief Design Officer Design. GM North America Exterior design next year.

Under Simcoe’s leadership, GM’s design studios created outstanding products such as Cadillac Celestiq and lyriq, GMC Hummer and Sierra Electric Scooterand Chevrolet Xuan Fen, jacket and Silverado electric car. Other milestones include mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Cadillac Escalade 2021.

The company says he has also “led the infusion of” the latest in immersive and virtual design development technologies into the team’s day-to-day work “and enhanced collaboration across GM functions globally.” “.

Detroit-based Simcoe will continue to report to GM Chairman Mark Reuss – an American who served as Holden’s chief executive during the Australian posting from February 2008 to August 2009.

“Under Michael’s leadership, the GM design team delivered design excellence after design excellence, demonstrating its ability to connect with customers across all vehicle segments,” said Reuss. for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles.

“GM Design has also played a key role in expanding our business, developing concepts that highlight our path towards an all-electric, autonomous future and solutions.” for new business models like BrightDrop [electric commercial vehicles] and journey [autonomous rideshare vehicles].”

Reuss added: “Elevating design within the organization demonstrates the importance of integrating design and technology as we continue to transform the company.

Mr. Simcoe holds a Diploma in Art Industrial Design from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and was inducted into Australian Design Hall of Fame in 2018. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the College of Creative Studies (Detroit).