Christoper Chapman

Christoper Chapman

Hyundai has confirmed that American designer Christopher Chapman will head the company’s design center located in Irvine, California.

The California native’s primary role will be for new vehicle and concept design for Hyundai, where he will work under SukGeun Oh, the automaker’s global design chief.

"We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs,” Oh said in a statement. "With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio."

That experience includes a degree in Transportation Design from the Art Center College of Design in California, as well as previous posts at Isuzu and BMW’s DesignworksUSA.

Since 2008, Chris has helped direct DesignworksUSA’s Transportation Design department, which includes work done for external partners in aviation, marine, and public mobility.

Most notably, Chapman was responsible for the design of the first-generation BMW X1 SUV and the polarizing X Coupe Concept that would eventually go on to spawn the development of the BMW 1-Series Coupe, which he also played a role in designing. Other models designed with Chapman’s help include the first-generation X3 SUV and Z4 roadster from BMW.

2004 BMW X5

2004 BMW X5