COSTA MESA, Calif. -

The Hyundai America Technical Center has appointed a chief designer for its Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif.. Named to the position is Christopher Chapman, who has worked in vehicle design for BMW Group since 1994.

In his new role, Chapman will head up new vehicle and concept design for the automaker.

“With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio,” said SukGeun Oh, head of design and senior executive vice president for the Hyundai Design Center. “We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs.”

Sharing more about Chapman’s career experience, he came to BMW in 1994, working in DesignworksUSA out of Newbury Park, Calif. His work there included the exterior designs of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and the X Coupe concept car.

Chapman also moved to Munich, Germany, for two years in order to “immerse in the BMW culture.” While on this assignment, he crafted the design of the CS1 concept, as well as the 1 Series production Coupe and its derivatives.

Then in 2002, he was named director of automotive design and led projects that included the new X5, X3, Z4 and the first BMW 1-series E87. Chapman would take on additional duties heading up the transportation design department starting in 2008. That department is composed of Designworks’ external partners in aviation, marine and public mobility.

Before his time with BMW, Chapman had worked for the Isuzu Technical Center of America in Cerritos, Calif. He began with them in 1989.

“Christopher Chapman is an outstanding addition to the design team at HATCI,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s president and chief executive officer.

“We are proud to add such a talented individual to lead the team of dedicated designers at HATCI that will continue to develop innovative vehicles for both the United States and global auto markets,” he added.