GM Overhauls Global Design Structure

General Motors Co. has restructured its global design organization by creating new positions for executive director jobs of its four main North American brands and a global overseer of advanced design. All changes take effect on Aug. 1.

The company has appointed Clay Dean to be director of global advanced design. He currently is brand champion for Cadillac and director of North American advanced design.

Ken Parkinson is tapped to be executive director of global Chevrolet and GMC design. He currently is Chevrolet brand champion and executive director of North American exterior design and global architecture strategy.

Mark Adams will become executive director for global Cadillac and Buick design, based in Warren, Mich. He presently is brand champion for Opel/Vauxhall and vice president for GM Europe design.

David Lyon will assume Adams' former duties and be based in Russelsheim, Germany. Lyon is now brand champion for GM's Buick and GMC marques and executive director for North American interiors and global cross-brand design.

GM did not name new brand champions for Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC or Opel/Vauxhall. It is not clear whether the company is eliminating those positions.