Thousand Oaks, California, United States
An accomplished automotive Sr. Design Director with extensive experience across a wide range of brands and products in the American and European market. I thrive on passion for exciting products and enable my teams to bring their raw, creative energy to the work every day. Leading Volkswagen Design in the North American Region, my main achievements include: - A significant shift to more dynamic and emotional designs appropriate for the brand in the US, exemplified by the current Tiguan and Jetta, as well as the Jetta GLI Performance Concept and the Atlas and Taos Basecamp Concepts. - Initiating and defining the Peak Edition series of rugged models. - Overseeing CMF for all the models built in the region. Directing the team responsible for the initial exterior design of the Scout models, we achieved glowing clinic results for our full size models and secured full buy-in from the VW Group for the launch of Scout Motors. With a strategic mindset, a mastery of 3D surfacing and a “calm under pressure” leadership style, I develop and guide teams to deliver highly competent, innovative and brand appropriate designs that resonate with the customer.