Mazda Europe Brings Designer Back from BMW

Kevin Rice, a former Mazda Motor Corp. designer who spent the last 13 years at BMW AG is returning to serve as creative director for Mazda Europe, the company says.

Rice designed the 1 series and 4 series during his stint at BMW. He previously worked at Mazda Europe from 1995-2000, working on the RX-8 roadster and Neo Space concept.

In his new position, Rice will help develop the company's Kodo design language that debuted on the CX-5 crossover and has since been used on the Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedans.

Rice studied transportation design in the U.K. before beginning his career at Opel in Germany in 1986. He has also done work for Italdesign Giugiaro, Ford and Saab.