GM Design Chief Retiring After 42 Years

Michael Simcoe and Bryan Nesbitt

General Motors announced that Michael Simcoe, senior vice president, GM Global Design, will retire after a 42-year career with the company, effective July 1.

Simcoe will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt, currently executive director, Global Cadillac Design. Nesbitt will lead GM Global Design, effective July 1 ā€“ becoming just the eighth GM Design chief in nearly a century. Simcoe will remain in his current role until July 1 to ensure a smooth handover.

ā€œMichael is a visionary designer and leader,ā€ said GM President Mark Reuss. ā€œHe has elevated automotive design not just at GM, but the world over. Under his leadership, GM Design has created a stunning vehicle portfolio that customers love. His focus on the customer, keen eye for detail, and an emphasis on the future made Michael everything we could have asked for in a chief designer. He also fostered a deep, collaborative relationship with engineering and manufacturing to push the boundaries of creativity and execution. Michael and his team have cemented design as a fundamental competitive advantage for GM.

ā€œAt the same time, weā€™re thrilled to have Bryan step up to lead GM Design, where he will use his considerable talent and formidable leadership skills to take us into the future,ā€ Reuss added. ā€œHe has a long history with all our brands, and a deep understanding of our customers. As seen in his recent work at Cadillac, his design statements are only getting better and bolder.ā€

Cadillacā€™s latest concept vehicles ā€“ Opulent Velocity and SOLLEI ā€“ were brought to life under Nesbittā€™s guidance.

ā€œI am honored to lead GM Design, which is home to some of the industry’s most talented and creative people. Our company, along with GM Design, has built momentum, and Iā€™m committed to building on that ethos of vision, execution, and collaboration. Design will continue to be at the leading edge of identifying and adopting new technologies to improve speed to market and help meet the needs of customers into the future. Great design will always be the cornerstone of every vehicle we create,ā€ said Bryan Nesbitt.

Simcoe instilled a culture of excellence, always keeping customer needs and wants at the heart of GMā€™s designs. He reshaped the organization to deliver products with a focus on detail and execution, combined with a creative spirit and a technology-driven ethos thatā€™s inspiring growth in areas like electrification, autonomy, and user experience.

Under Simcoe, GMā€™s design studios have executed numerous award-winning products, including the Cadillac LYRIQ; GMC HUMMER EV; and Chevroletā€™s Equinox EV.

Simcoe also championed the inception and execution of GMā€™s flagship Design West studio campus, located on GMā€™s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. Purpose-built to foster collaboration and accelerate GMā€™s transformation, it will stand as an enduring legacy.

ā€œIt has been humbling to be a part of shaping the future of transportation and evolving automotive design, while ensuring that the intersection of art and technology is core to GM Design and our business,ā€ Simcoe said. ā€œGM has some of the most gifted designers and artisans in the world. My job has been to create the environment, and give them the tools, to flourish and bring our vision to life. Under Bryanā€™s leadership, I know GM Design will continue to drive the company forward. He shares my belief in our teamā€™s creative talent and their potential, and Iā€™m excited to see how the next generation of GM Design influences the automotive landscape.ā€