GM Design Chief to Retire After 42 Years

General Motors announced that Michael Simcoe, senior vice president, GM Global Design, will retire after a 42-year career with the company, effective July 1, 2025.

Simcoe will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt, currently executive director, Global Cadillac Design. Nesbitt will lead GM Global Design, effective July 1 – becoming just the eighth GM Design chief in nearly a century. Simcoe will remain in his current role until July 1 to ensure a smooth handover.

Cadillac’s latest concept vehicles – Opulent Velocity and SOLLEI – were brought to life under Nesbitt’s guidance.

Simcoe reshaped the organization to deliver products with a focus on detail and execution, combined with a creative spirit and a technology-driven ethos that’s inspiring growth in areas like electrification, autonomy, and user experience.

Under Simcoe, GM’s design studios have executed numerous award-winning products, including the Cadillac LYRIQ; GMC HUMMER EV; and Chevrolet’s Equinox EV.

Simcoe also championed the inception and execution of GM’s flagship Design West studio campus, located on GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. Purpose-built to foster collaboration and accelerate GM’s transformation, it will stand as an enduring legacy.