Ford has strengthened its commitment to the Lincoln brand with the appointment of former Cadillac design director Max Wolff to shape help shape the future.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The moves was described by Ford as an important next step in Lincoln’s growth into a world-class luxury brand with the addition of a dedicated design director.
Wolff, 38, joins Lincoln with luxury and global automotive design experience that has taken him from Australia to Asia and America.
Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s vice president for, global product development, said: “Hiring a Lincoln design director with global experience was a given. Max Wolff brings a fresh perspective that will challenge us internally and take Lincoln to new levels of prestige.”
During his career with General Motors, Wolff held key design positions including assignments in the US with Cadillac, in Australia with Holden and in Korea with GM Daewoo.
J Mays, Ford’s vice president of design, said: “Max’s drive, talent and knowledge of automotive design within the premium segment of the market make him a great addition to the global design team. He is a recognised design leader and has a successful track record in the development of production and concept vehicles, including the Holden SSX show car.”
A graduate of Monash University in Victoria, Australia, Wolff will report to Moray Callum, Ford’s executive director of design, The Americas. He will help the Lincoln team expand and enhance its brand lineup, which will include seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years and its first-ever C-segment vehicle.
The plan is to refine Lincoln with modern design, and fuel-efficient premium powertrains.
The brand already includes the flagship MKS large sedan, the significantly freshened 2011 MKX crossover, the MKT seven-passenger crossover and an updated MKZ midsize sedan with a hybrid powertrain.
