Ralph Gilles Leads Chrysler Design
Ralph Gilles is changing the way people look at contemporary car design — and car designers. The rising star in the design community becomes Vice President Design for Chrysler September 1. The popular 38-year old designer first drew attention with his vision of the Chrysler 300C, a historic and memorable design that debuted in the 2005 model year.
Haitian-born, Gilles grew up in Canada and graduated from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. He joined Chrysler in 1992 directly from college Most recently he was Vice President of Jeep, Truck and Advance Interior Design.
I’ve hung out with Gilles at various car events including SEMA and Chrysler’s annual “What’s New” program. His discerning eye, steady gaze and penchant for defining cool makes him the kind of leader that people want to be around, and the sort of fellow who seems to have excellent taste.
Consider a 2006 profile in the New York Times.
“Like most designers, he dresses the part. On a recent morning at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., he ticked off his clothing brands for a reporter: Nautica watch, dark shirt and pants from Banana Republic, shoes by Skechers.”The tie is from France,” he said, looking for the label. “I love it because it looks like carbon fiber. So does the jacket, which is by some Italian guy.”
Gilles takes over from Trevor Creed who retire after 23 years at the end of August. I profiled Creed for Clear Magazine in 2004. The British-born Creed loves to discuss art and architecture. Perhaps he will pursue these interests in retirment. Bob Nardelli, Chrysler’s Chairman and CEO byway of Cerberus expounded on Creed’s attributes. “Trevor has led a distinguished automotive design career,” Nardelli said. “He played a key leadership role in the design of award-winning vehicles such as the new Dodge Challenger,Chrysler 300C, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Viper, Dodge Ram and the Plymouth Prowler.”
Gilles has his work cut out as Chrysler is in serious need of more sexy cars that are practical, too. Of course, what the designer intends isn’t always what makes it to production, but it never hurts to have a vision to start off the product planners.
