Joel Piaskowski has been appointed Ford of Europe’s new design boss as of July 1, replacing Martin Smith, who has held the position for the past 10 years. 45-year-old Piaskowski has 24 years of international automotive experience and is currently head of Ford’s Strategic Concepts Group in the U.S.
In his new role, Piaskowski will lead the design of all concept and production vehicles in Europe and support Ford’s global design initiatives. He will have a dual reporting relationship to Moray Callum, Ford’s global vice president of design, and Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Joel’s caliber join our European team to continue our commitment to design leadership and take us to new heights,” said Stephen Odell, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Piaskowski joined Ford in 2010 as director, Exterior Design, The Americas, and has led the team in the creation of several vehicles, including the recently revealed all-new Ford Mustang and Ford F-150 pick-up truck. In January 2013 he was appointed director of Design, Ford Asia Pacific, and more recently, he returned to Dearborn, Michigan, to oversee Ford’s advanced design studios globally.
Before joining Ford, Piaskowski was president of Mercedes’ advanced design centre in California from 2009 to 2010, and previously oversaw Hyundai’s U.S. design team for six years. He started his career at General Motors in 1990, working for more than 12 years on exterior and interior designs for several brands.
By Dan Mihalascu
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