Kia has announced the appointment of John Buckingham as Head of Kia Next Design Exterior Group. Kia aims to play a leading role in shaping the future of mobility through its design philosophy: ‘Opposites United’. To help achieve this goal, Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of the Kia Global Design Center, has chosen a new organisation to strengthen the brand’s design department.
John Buckingham in his new role will support Vice President Teck Koun Kim, who was appointed Head of Kia Next Design Group earlier this year, to oversee exterior, interior and CMF design for the entire Kia vehicle range. “Kia is accelerating its efforts to innovate and respond to the rapidly changing market environment through the recruitment of external talent. We expect John Buckingham, who has various experiences at premium brands and startups, to contribute to the innovative design work at the Kia Global Design Center,” said Teck Koun Kim. Prior to joining Kia, John Buckingham held various roles in the design department of several luxury brands, including Bentley, BMW and Faraday Future. At Faraday Future, he was responsible for the final development and market introduction of the FF91, the brand’s electric flagship.
