Luc Donckerwolke resigns from Hyundai
Surprise resignation at Hyundai: Luc Donckerwolke has resigned from his position as chief designer of the Group
Group chief designer Luc Donckerwolke has unexpectedly left the Korean company at his own request. He has worked there for almost five years, initially as chief designer of Hyundai and the luxury brand Genesis; in October 2018, he took over responsibility for the entire group design from his predecessor Peter Schreyer.
Donckerwolke’s achievements in Korea cannot be overestimated. He has completely reimagined the Genesis brand; his greatest designs there include the new GV80 SUV and the G80 luxury sport sedan, as well as the Mint and Essentia concept cars. Together with SangYup Lee, who succeeded him as brand design chief, he also introduced a new design language at Hyundai, most clearly visible in the Palisade and Sonata and the upcoming Elantra. His most important concept cars at Hyundai include the Le Fil Rouge, the 45 and the Prophecy. At Kia, the first models created under Donckerwolke’s guidance are expected for next year.
Following his graduation at the former Art Center College in Vevey, Switzerland, Donckerwolke started out as an intern at Peugeot, But he was quickly hired by Audi, joining the premium brand at a time of its greatest ambition in 1992. He subsequently moved to Skoda, back to Audi and finally to Lamborghini, where he took the helm as chief designer. In 2005 he joined Seat in the same position, and in 2011 he became responsible for Advanced Design of the entire VW group. In 2012 Donckerwolke became chief designer at Bentley. Well on track to succeed Walter De’Silva, he instead opted to leave the Volkswagen orbit in 2015 in order to join Hyundai.
Donckerwolke leaves the Hyundai Group on friendly terms, planning to take a step back and focus on his family and his illustrious collection of classic automobiles in Bavaria. His official comment states: “It’s been an honor and privilege to contribute to the shaping of the future of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Their audacious and progressive attitude has allowed me to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Luc,” said Albert Biermann, president and the head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D division. ”He has been a great inspiration for all of us at Hyundai as a remarkable leader who successfully transformed the company’s design operations, taking it to the next level. We wish him all the best and success in his journey going forward.”
At 54, we suspect he is too young and too ambitious to retire for good. It would not surprise us if Donckerwolke would appear again publicly, whether at a university or at an automobile or technology group.
SangYup Lee, who worked closely with Donckerwolke for many years, remains at the head of Hyundai and Genesis design, while Karim Habib continues to lead Kia design; if the Group eventually chooses to fill Donckerwolke’s position again, Lee likely has the best odds of succeeding him.