Renault’s new CEO Luca de Meo is hard at work bringing in new people, having just recently signed former SEAT design boss Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos.
Now, it has been confirmed that ex-Peugeot design exec Gilles Vidal will also join the Renault Group, where he will report directly to design EVP Laurens van den Acker later this year in November.
The 48-year old Vidal has served as design director for the Peugeot brand since 2010, his vision being reflected in new models such as the latest 3008 and 508. He was also in charge of User Experience and User Interface within the PSA Group, as well as the creation of the Peugeot Design Lab agency.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Gilles Vidal into our team. Gilles has an intimate knowledge of creating strong and attractive design-led brands. His widely recognized experience, his sense of innovation and passion for design will be great assets for Groupe Renault,” said van den Acker.
“Gilles has been an inspiration for many, and I’m looking forward to working with him to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s mobility.”
Before switching to the Peugeot brand, Vidal spent his time at Citroen in both exterior and interior design, then as manager of the Citroen C4 and C4 Picasso projects. He was even entrusted with the production of Citroen concept cars and advanced designs.
What’s interesting is that in the past, Renault and PSA held a gentleman’s agreement not to poach talent from one another. However, that all changed this past decade.
