KARIM HABIB - News

Karim Habib, the driving force behind Kia's revolutionary design transformation, has played a pivotal role in ushering the brand into a new era of automotive aesthetics. Since assuming the role of Head of Global Design in 2019, Habib has infused Kia with a fresh and innovative spirit, earning widespread acclaim.

"It's important to develop a context-specific, user-centric mentality and to design with usability in mind consistently," said Habib. "A design leader should propose a vision or design philosophy that is both clear and flexible enough to allow for each individual team member to propose their own point of view."

He stresses the integration of design and brand strategy: "Finally, understanding that every design decision is also a brand decision and vice versa is key. Design and brand should always speak the same language."

Prior to his tenure at Kia, Habib honed his design expertise at prominent automotive giants. He began his career at BMW, where he made significant contributions to the design of the 7 Series Mk5, before moving to Daimler. After returning to BMW as head of exterior design and as design director, he joined Infiniti in 2017, where he created several acclaimed Q Inspiration concepts (Car Design News) (Kia Global Media Center).

Under Habib's leadership, Kia has embraced a bold design philosophy known as "Opposites United." This approach blends contrasting elements to create a harmonious and dynamic aesthetic, a departure from Kia's previous straightforward and conventional design language.

One of Habib's standout achievements is the Kia EV9, an all-electric SUV lauded for its innovative and futuristic design. Introduced in 2023, the EV9 exemplifies Habib's vision of integrating advanced technology with striking aesthetics. His work on the EV9 not only established a new design benchmark for Kia but also earned him the prestigious title of "Designer Disruptor of the Year" at the 2024 Newsweek World's Greatest Auto Disruptors Awards.

Habib's influence extends beyond exterior design to encompass interiors, color schemes, and materials. He oversees every facet of design, ensuring a cohesive strategy that aligns with Kia's electrification initiatives. His leadership and ability to inspire a team of creatives have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of automotive design and maintaining Kia's position at the forefront of the industry.

Karim Habib's journey with Kia exemplifies how visionary leadership and innovative design can redefine a brand's identity. His ongoing contributions continue to shape Kia into a beacon of modern automotive design.

Karim Habib's career highlights

2019 ~ present: Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design, Kia Corporation

2017 ~ 2019: Executive Design Director INFINITI, Nissan Motor Company

2012 ~ 2017: Head of Design BMW Automobiles, BMW Group

2011 ~ 2012: Head of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles, BMW Group

2009 ~ 2011: Senior Manager Advanced Design Germany, Daimler

2007 ~ 2009: Chief Designer Advanced Design, BMW Group

2004 ~ 2007: Senior Designer (Exterior Production Design), BMW Group

2002 ~ 2003: Exterior/Interior Designer - Advanced Design, BMW Group

1998 ~ 2001: Exterior/Interior Production Designer, BMW Group