Citroën Names BMW Veteran Pierre Leclercq As New Design Chief

There’s been a mass migration in the past few years of talent from Germany to Korea as the Hyundai-Kia group has imported much of its fresh design and engineering talent. But Pierre Leclerq is moving back to Europe.

The 46-year-old Belgian designer was educated in California and spent over a decade at BMW, ultimately bearing responsibility for designing the Bavarian automaker’s M performance models.

He moved to Great Wall Motors in China in 2013 and to Kia just last year. But now he’s been picked up by the PSA group as head of design for the Citroën division.

In his new capacity, he’ll report to PSA group design chief Jean-Pierre Ploué, and take over from Alexandre Malval (pictured below at the World Car Awards), who is moving outside the company in an undisclosed capacity.

“I am very proud that Pierre Leclercq is joining us, with a strong reputation in the global automotive industry,” said Ploué. “I am convinced that he will bring all his talent for the Citroën brand and more broadly his international experience in the design direction of the PSA Group.”

Pierre Leclerq brings with him considerable experience, having played significant roles in the design of the Mini Countryman, the second-generation BMW X5 and accompanying first-gen X6. He also designed the Ford Street’Ka concept while working at Ghia and interned at Zagato.

“I would like to thank Alexandre Malval for his contribution to the renewal of Citroën Styling and for the high quality of our discussions. I wish him well for the rest of his career,” concluded Citroën CEO Linda Jackson. “With the appointment of Pierre Leclercq as Citroën Head of Design, I am fully confident in our ability to start a new cycle of creativity to offer models with even stronger design while continuing to embody the focus on comfort that is so central to the brand.”