Marc Girard appointed head of Interior Design at BMW Cars

Marc Girard starts his new job as head of the Interior Design department at BMW Automobiles today, taking over the post previously held by Michael Ninic who died unexpectedly last year. His appointment also alleviates some of the pressure put on Adrian van Hooydonk, who has effectively been managing both exterior and interior design departments for BMW Cars as well as acclimatizing to his new role as design director of the BMW Group following Chris Bangle's departure last month.

A BMW Group designer for the last 15 years, French-born Girard was most recently team leader for Interior Design at BMW Automobiles, having been promoted from the position of head of interior design at MINI - a role he filled from 2004 to 2006. He was responsible for the interior styling of the second-generation ‘new' MINI as well as its Clubman sibling.

Girard names enthusiasm as the most important incentive for his creative work: "Interior design offers customers control, protection and a feeling of security. I am pleased to be able to assume this responsibility and to create this crucial interface within the development process together with the entire BMW interior design team."

A graduate of Art Center College of Design, Girard began working at BMW Technik in Munich immediately following his studies and quickly assumed responsibility for the lifestyle, prototypes and advanced design sectors (both for exterior and interior design) in his role as project manager. He is also credited with having developed the interior of the 1 Series range while working at the BMW interior design studio between 2000 and 2002.

"During his time with the BMW Group, Marc Girard consistently demonstrated his ability to understand and press ahead not only with his business, but also BMW's design philosophy," Adrian van Hooydonk said in a statement. "His many years of experience, his team spirit and his power to convince will lead the team and the work of Interior Design BMW Automobiles into a successful future."

By Eric Gallina