Hyundai Snags BMW Designer Christopher Chapman
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Kia nabbed ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer in 2006 and has since helped the Korean automaker solidify its design language. Now, Hyundai has followed suit by snagging Christopher Chapman from his most recent position as BMWΆs director of the Transportation Design department to become chief designer of the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California responsible for new vehicle and concept design for the Korean automaker.
“With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio,” said SukGeun Oh, Head of Design, Senior Executive Vice President Hyundai Design Center, in a press release. “We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design from Art Center College of Design, Chapman began his career at the Isuzu Technical Center of America in California in 1989. He designed the Isuzu XU-1 concept car and won Best Concept at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.
He joined the BMW DesignworksUSA in 1994. Chapman is responsible for the design of such projects as the bodies of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car. He spent two years in Munich, Germany where he designed the CS1 concept for the 2002 Geneva Auto Salon. Next he designed the production 1 series Coupe.
Chapman was appointed BMWΆs Director of Automotive Design in 2002. He is responsible for many concept and production vehicles including the new X5, X3, Z4, and 1-series E87. In 2008, he began directing the Transportation Design Department.
“Christopher Chapman is an outstanding addition to the design team at HATCI (Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.),” said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America, in a press release. “We are proud to add such a talented individual to lead the team of dedicated designers at HATCI that will continue to develop innovative vehicles for both the United States and global auto markets.”
