When Karim Habib took the reins as Head of Global Design at Kia in 2019, the brand was at a crossroads. Kia had already earned a reputation for reliable, affordable vehicles, but its design language lacked the bold, forward-thinking edge seen in some of its competitors. Under Habib's leadership, however, that all changed, as he spearheaded a transformative design philosophy that propelled Kia into the modern era.
A Vision of User-Centric Design
Habib's approach to design has always been rooted in a deep understanding of usability and context-specific design. He believes in creating designs that resonate with users while staying true to the brand’s identity. As he states, "It's important to develop a context-specific, user-centric mentality and to design with usability in mind consistently." For him, every design decision has to align with a clear, flexible vision that allows individual team members to contribute their unique perspectives. This leadership style has been pivotal in allowing Kia’s design teams to innovate freely while staying cohesive with the brand’s overall direction.
Brand and Design Integration
A key pillar of Habib’s philosophy is the integration of design and brand strategy. He stresses the importance of ensuring that every design decision also serves as a brand decision: "Design and brand should always speak the same language." This approach ensures that the visual and tactile experience of the cars aligns with Kia’s broader goals and messaging, giving the brand a distinct voice that is both dynamic and consistent.
From BMW to Kia: A Storied Career
Before joining Kia, Habib amassed a wealth of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands. He began his career at BMW, contributing significantly to the design of the 7 Series Mk5. He later held leadership positions at both Daimler and BMW, eventually becoming the Head of Exterior Design at BMW. During this time, he played a crucial role in shaping some of the brand’s most iconic designs.
In 2017, Habib joined Infiniti, where he designed the Q Inspiration concepts, a series of vehicles that garnered critical acclaim for their forward-thinking designs. His ability to blend aesthetics with technological innovation has always been a defining characteristic of his career, and this trait continues to shine in his work at Kia.
Opposites United: Kia’s Bold New Design Language
Under Habib’s guidance, Kia adopted a bold new design philosophy called “Opposites United”, which reflects the dynamic combination of contrasting elements to create a harmonious yet edgy aesthetic. This philosophy marks a stark departure from Kia’s previous, more conventional design approach. It draws on natural elements, with themes of balance and harmony, while pushing the envelope on boldness and sophistication. The result is a design language that is both timeless and forward-thinking—perfectly suited to a brand that's transitioning into the electric age.
Kia EV9: The Pinnacle of Habib’s Vision
One of the defining milestones of Habib’s leadership at Kia has been the creation of the Kia EV9, an all-electric SUV that was introduced in 2023. The EV9 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement piece, showcasing how far Kia has come under Habib’s vision. The car integrates cutting-edge technology with striking aesthetics, while also embracing sustainability—a key focus of Kia’s electrification strategy.
The EV9 has received widespread acclaim for its futuristic design, and Habib's work on the vehicle earned him the title of “Designer Disruptor of the Year” at the 2024 Newsweek World's Greatest Auto Disruptors Awards. It exemplifies his ability to balance innovation with practicality, proving that a brand can both push the boundaries of design while keeping the user experience at its core.
A Holistic Approach to Design
Habib’s influence goes beyond just the exterior lines of Kia vehicles. He takes a holistic approach to design, overseeing not only the bodywork but also the interiors, color schemes, and materials used in Kia cars. His keen eye for detail ensures that every aspect of a vehicle’s design works seamlessly together, from the visual elements to the tactile experiences, reflecting Kia’s electrification initiatives and commitment to creating cars that people will truly connect with.
Karim Habib’s Career Highlights
Habib’s career trajectory has been one of continuous growth, with each role building on the last:
-
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, 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
His vast experience and diverse background in automotive design have positioned him as a visionary leader at Kia, and his career has been marked by his ability to bridge the gap between innovation, technology, and the user experience.
Shaping Kia’s Future
Through Karim Habib’s vision and leadership, Kia has firmly established itself as a force in modern automotive design. His emphasis on user-centric design, combined with a forward-thinking, bold aesthetic, ensures that Kia’s future is not just about making cars—it’s about creating experiences. As the automotive world rapidly transitions toward electrification, Habib’s ongoing contributions will continue to shape the brand’s direction, solidifying Kia’s place at the forefront of the next-generation mobility landscape.
