The automotive designer Gilles Vidal will return to Stellantis after five years in Renault, where he remarkably revived the R4 and the R5 recently sold in 100% electric version, he announced on Friday, July 25.
Gilles Vidal, 52, will supervise “the creative management and design strategy of the emblematic European brands of Stellantis” from October, Stellantis said in a press release.
It replaces a former Citroën colleague, Jean-Pierre Ploue, 62, left by the company.
In Stellantis, Gilles Vidal will work “in close collaboration” with Ralph Gilles, director of the group design, said the press release.
Registration Craftsman in Renault
The French designer had spent 25 years in Citroën and Peugeot before taking the lead in Renault’s design in 2020, called by its managing director of Meo.
Under the direction of Laurens van Den Acker, which is in charge of the group design and will guarantee temporal work, Gilles Vidal had time to leave its sports and futuristic leg in several models of the diamond brand, such as the Electric de Scénic, R4 and R5, or Renault Rafale and Symbioz.
He also supervised with Renault’s teams the conceptual “emblem” style, which must inspire future models in the range.
A remarkable passage in Peugeot before 2020
In Peugeot, as design director between 2010 and 2020, Gilles Vidal had accompanied the luxury of the brand with high -success vehicles such as Small 208 and SUV 3008, as well as the conceptual concept.
Peugeot and Citroën have been part since 2021 of the Stellantis group, where Gilles Vidal could also supervise the design of brands such as DS, Opel, Alfa Romeo or Lancia.
Find in Stellantis Jean-Philippe Proparaato, former Chief of Peugeot now in charge of the European market for all brands of the group.
“His deep understanding of the European car culture and his vision of design for the future will be essential while we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands,” said Jean-Philippe imparate.
“In a world where technology and design must advance together to transform customer experience, I am motivated by the challenges and opportunities that await me,” said Gilles Vidal.
Source: BFM TV
