Ford has appointed Amko Leenarts as its new European design director, replacing Joel Piaskowski.
Leenarts moves into the role after almost four years at the helm of Ford’s interior design team. He has previously worked for the PSA Group, where he led Peugeot’s interior design department.
Leenarts will take charge of a 275-strong team, split between Ford’s Dunton technical centre in Essex and the brand’s design studios in Merkenich, Germany. He will report to Ford’s vice president of design, Moray Callum.
Callum said: “As Ford shapes the future of transportation, design will be the crucial differentiator. Amko will help us define new products that innovate while harnessing our global design talent to deliver truly world-class products.”
The design of the next-generation Ford Focus, due to arrive next year, is already finalised so Leenarts’ first major challenge is likely to be the next-generation Ford Mondeo, scheduled for about three years’ time.
Piaskowski has moved up to the position of director of global design. He led the design team behind the new Ford Fiesta and was responsible for the look of Ford’s upmarket Vignale models.
Before Ford, Piaskowski worked at Mercedes, Hyundai and General Motors, where he designed interiors and exteriors across the car giant’s various brands.
Read more:
2017 Ford Fiesta ST officially revealed
Ford gets a new design chief for Europe
BMW 8 Series Concept: an in-depth look with designer John Buckingham
Join the debate
Add your comment
Ford design.
Last one I promise
In a interview from CarDesigner in late 2016 : “I adore how cars reflect our culture and play a unique role in society,” says Leenarts. “I’m not a petrolhead, though. I don’t fancy classic automobiles or racing. That’s probably why I’m an interior designer.”
Great more Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen than Petrolhead then
Is this really the company that gave us the Escort RS1600 Mk1
WORLD beaters?:- Ka+, new Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Kuga.