Hyundai and Kia have a reputation for attracting some of the most talented designers and engineers in the automotive industry, with many of them coming from BMW. The latest addition to Kia’s roster of BMW recruits is John Buckingham, a former BMW Group exterior designer and Creative Director of BMW Designworks USA. Buckingham spent 13 years at BMW and was responsible for the 2017 BMW 8-Series Concept, which later went into production. He then moved to Bentley Motors in 2018 before joining Faraday Future in 2022, where he played a key role in the development of the FF91, which entered production in March 2023.

Kia has appointed Buckingham as Head of Kia Next Design Exterior Group, reporting to VP Teck Koun Kim, who was recently appointed as VP Head of Kia Next Design Group. Buckingham will be responsible for the outer design of Kia’s “new generation” models, drawing on his experience as a designer in the EV realm. Kia’s next crop of vehicles is heading in the electrified direction, and Buckingham will help define the brand’s Opposites United progressive design philosophy and apply this approach to the next generation of Kia vehicle exteriors.

Secondary Header: The Attraction of Hyundai and Kia

Hyundai and Kia have been successful in attracting some of the most talented designers and engineers in the automotive industry. The two brands have been known to poach employees from other automakers, with a significant number of them coming from BMW. This strategy has helped Hyundai and Kia to enhance their design and engineering capabilities, enabling them to compete with established players in the automotive industry.

Secondary Header: John Buckingham’s Career at BMW

John Buckingham spent 13 years at BMW, where he rose through the ranks to become a Group exterior designer and Creative Director of BMW Designworks USA. During his tenure at BMW, he was responsible for the design of several iconic models, including the 2017 BMW 8-Series Concept, which later went into production. Buckingham’s design philosophy is characterized by a focus on simplicity, elegance, and functionality. He believes that good design should be timeless and should evoke an emotional response in people.

Secondary Header: Buckingham’s Role at Kia

As Head of Kia Next Design Exterior Group, Buckingham will be responsible for the outer design of Kia’s “new generation” models. He will work closely with VP Teck Koun Kim and Kia’s design team to develop a design philosophy that reflects the brand’s Opposites United progressive design approach. This approach is based on the idea that contrasting elements can coexist harmoniously, creating a sense of balance and dynamism. Buckingham’s experience in the EV realm will be particularly valuable, given Kia’s focus on electrification.

Secondary Header: The Importance of Design in the Automotive Industry

Design plays a crucial role in the success of any automaker. A well-designed vehicle can capture the imagination of consumers and create a strong emotional connection with them. It can also differentiate a brand from its competitors and help it to stand out in a crowded market. In recent years, Hyundai and Kia have invested heavily in design, hiring some of the most talented designers in the industry and establishing their own design centers around the world. This investment has paid off, with both brands receiving numerous awards for their designs and gaining recognition as leaders in automotive design.

Secondary Header: Conclusion

Hyundai and Kia’s strategy of poaching talent from other automakers has helped them to enhance their design and engineering capabilities, enabling them to compete with established players in the automotive industry. The latest addition to Kia’s roster of BMW recruits is John Buckingham, a former BMW Group exterior designer and Creative Director of BMW Designworks USA. Buckingham’s appointment as Head of Kia Next Design Exterior Group reflects the importance of design in the success of any automaker. His experience in the EV realm will be particularly valuable, given Kia’s focus on electrification. With Buckingham on board, Kia is well-positioned to continue its success in the automotive industry.