Belgian designer Luc Donckerwolke, who left the Hyundai Motor Group end-April this year, has rejoined the Korean carmaker. Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced it has appointed Donckerwolke to a new company position – Chief Creative Officer (CCO). He resumes his career as Executive Vice-President and his office will be located at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center.

Donckerwolke will be in charge of design-related communications about topics such as Genesis brand, dedicated BEV lineup brand IONIQ and fuel cell vehicles.

Donckerwolke originally joined the Group in 2016, gradually overseeing design for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands as the Chief Design Officer before resigning in March to focus on his health. Donckerwolke is returning to the Group following temporary time away in which he took to take care of personal matters.

Donckerwolke joined the South Korean giant in 2015 after leaving the Volkswagen Group, where he was credited with designs such as the Audi A2, Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo and the Bentley Flying Spur. Initially, he oversaw Hyundai and Genesis, before stepping up in 2018 to look after Kia as well. He is credited with the Hyundai Kona and Palisade, alongside the latest Genesis model range.

“It is with great honour and pride that I start this second chapter at Hyundai Motor Group to consolidate creativity. In collaboration with design teams, I will communicate diversity and richness of Group brands' design, which is not only technologically dynamic but also customer-centric,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and CCO of Hyundai Motor Group.

Donckerwolke is considered a perfect fit for the new role of CCO as he has been deeply involved in establishing the current design direction and strategy for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. As the Group’s representative, Donckerwolke will enhance brand position for Hyundai Motor Group, leveraging vast experience not only as a car designer but as a proven leader. He actively fosters design talents and has established a work environment that encourages proactive communication among peers. 

He will also seek ways to collaborate with industry-leading designers as well as spearhead design studies for future mobility.

As CCO, Luc Donckerwolke will collaborate with design centers in their development and design communication for concept vehicles of Hyundai Motor Group’s various brands. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands’ design work will continue to be overseen by existing management. SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center and Genesis Global Design, will continue to lead design for Hyundai & Genesis brands. Karim Habib, Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design, will continue to lead design for Kia brand.