Australians will set the design agenda for two of the world’s biggest car brands, with news that Todd Willing has been promoted to Head of Ford Design.
He joins fellow Australian Mike Simcoe, who is in charge of design at General Motors, in taking one of the most senior styling roles in the entire automotive industry. Previously the design leader at Ford Model e – the company’s electric vehicle division – Willing will now be responsible for shaping all future Ford and Lincoln models.
During his time at Ford Australia he was part of the team that created the Territory SUV, while other early works include the 2007 Ford Mondeo, 2009 Ford Fiesta and 2010 Ford Focus. His most famous work is arguably as the exterior chief designer on the 2017 Ford GT supercar.
More recently, Willing was global design director for Ford Trucks and SUVs, which meant he led the design teams that shaped the latest generation of the F-150, Ranger, Bronco, Maverick, Explorer and Expedition.
Simcoe has been in his current role, Vice President of Global Design for GM, since 2016 and has amassed an enviable portfolio of vehicles. Simcoe made a name for himself during his time at Holden when he created the Coupe Concept in 1998, which would spawn the revival of the Monaro. He went on to lead the design of the VX and VE Commodores before he was promoted to the USA, where he has influenced the design of Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick models.
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