Ed Welburn

We couldn't help but notice the new vibe happening at General Motors--the redesign at Cadillac, the aggressive sportiness going on at Buick. If you're feeling it too, then thank Ed Welburn, Vice President of Global Design.

Welburn leads the team responsible for the design development of all GM brands globally, and logs plenty of frequent flier miles travelling to GM studios in the States, Germany, Korea, India, Australia, Brazil, and China. At each stop he visits the teams who handle GM’s product and concept car design, brand character, photography, auto show displays, and dealer facilities--in short, developing the overall look that makes us want to head to the closest GM dealership.

Here, a few philosophies from the design mastermind.

Breaking into the car biz: I started drawing cars and reading car magazines when I was very young. At the age of 11, I wrote a letter to GM Design saying that I wanted to be a car designer. They wrote back, and recommended the steps I needed to take to achieve my dream. Based on that, I attended Howard University, studied sculpture and product design, and earned a degree in fine arts. I also interned at GM Design, where I was eventually was hired in 1972 as an associate designer assigned to the advanced design studios.

Claim to fame: I’d have to say developing a “global face” for Chevrolet, establishing GM’s concept car strategy, and building a solid relationship with our partners in China. The vehicles that I’m most proud of over the years would include the Oldsmobile Aerotech (a high-speed research vehicle), Autonomy (a fuel cell concept car), Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick LaCrosse, and Opel Insignia.

Working on currently: We’re developing the next generation of Cadillacs and designing the all-new Chevrolet Corvette.

REFLECTIONS: Hometown: Berwyn, Pa.* Advice he would have given himself 10 years ago: Always stay focused on the work and on the assignment at hand. * Words to live by: In whatever you do in life, you must have a clear vision. Also, be honest with everyone…and most importantly, be honest with yourself.

DIVERSIONS: Currently reading: The Key: Celebrated People Unlock Their Secrets to Life by Linda Solomon. * Last fun purchase: My ‘Louis Chevrolet’ wristwatch. I was able to help design it with the Swiss watchmaker!

PLAYING FAVORITES: Hotel: The Shilla Hotel in Seoul and the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Argentina). * Getaway: Anywhere in northern Italy…along with my home, my yard, and my garage! * Entrée: The black pasta dish I had at Harry’s Bar in Venice several years ago was memorable. * Drink: Vodka martini, shaken and not stirred, with a ½ drop of Vermouth and plenty of olives. * Guilty Pleasure: A high-speed run in my CTS-V Coupe while listening to Usher! * Cars: I’d have to include the 1963 Sting Ray split-window coupe on the list, along with the Chaparral 2D, 2C, and 2H. * People in the car business: I was lucky enough to work for legendary GM Designer Bill Mitchell early in my career. I always admired Jim Hall, the designer of the Chaparral, and finally met him and took three laps of Laguna Seca with him in the Chaparral 2E.