Whos Where: Ken Okuyama appointed Creative Director at Pininfarina

Thu, 12 Feb 2004

The talented Japanese designer Ken Okuyama, who penned the Pininfarina Enzo and 'Rossa' during his days at Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche, is going back to the famous Italian coachbuilder, after completing his experience as Chair of the Transportation Design Department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

He is expected back as Creative Director of the Pininfarina Spa group as of May 10th. There he will be reporting, as before his departure, to Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Executive Vice President Design .

In a press release, Pininfarina write that the company considers design as one of its fundamental activities, both in visibility and business terms. In order to maintain a leadership recognised among the independent designers, Pininfarina considers it to be a must to ensure themselves the most talented in the business: "Ken Okuyama has widened his knowledge of the international automotive world, deepening as well the relationship with a new generation of designers and strengthening his managing abilities. His international education and deep knowledge of design is expected to grant the continuity of the Pininfarina style around the globe."