McLaren Appoints New Head of Design
The British automaker McLaren is turning a new page in its history by appointing Kemal Curic as its Chief Designer. This specialist brings with him years of experience working for major automotive companies, including Ford and Lincoln.
The Career Path of the New Leader
Kemal Curic was born in Sarajevo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design and later a master’s degree in transportation design. His professional journey began in 2003 at Ford’s European division, where he worked on models such as the Fiesta, Mondeo, and Kuga.
Later, the designer moved to Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. There, he participated in key projects, including the design of the 2015 Mustang. Furthermore, Curic was responsible for the Lincoln Continental’s exterior and served as the chief designer for the Aviator and Corsair models.
From Lincoln to McLaren
In 2019, Kemal Curic headed the Lincoln design department, overseeing the creation of the Zephyr sedan for the Chinese market, the Nautilus crossover, and the legendary Navigator. Recently, he held the position of Global Director of Sports Car Design at Ford.
Now his work at Ford is complete. At McLaren, Curic will be responsible for shaping the design concept and creative direction of the entire McLaren Automotive lineup. He will oversee the development of exterior and interior design, as well as color, material, and trim selection. The manufacturer emphasized that the renowned designer will work closely with engineering teams and the product strategy department to ensure McLaren continues to set the highest standards in creating lightweight, high-performance, and emotionally appealing luxury cars.
Plans and Tasks in the New Role
McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I am thrilled to be part of their journey and to help shape the company’s design concept, which is deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage. I look forward to collaborating with McLaren’s talented teams to create the next generation of exciting, purposeful cars
— stated Kemal Curic.
This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for McLaren, as the company prepares to enter new market segments, including the development of its own SUV. Curic’s experience in creating mass-market and premium models, his understanding of global trends, and his ability to work at the intersection of design and engineering are viewed as strategic assets for the brand’s future. His task will be not only to preserve McLaren’s DNA but also to integrate new forms and technologies that meet the demands of the electric era, while remaining true to the brand’s core principles of lightness, performance, and emotion.