Kevin Rice named Mazda Europe's new Head Designer

Kevin Rice will be appointed as Mazda Motor Europe's new Design Director effective September 1, 2014. The 50-year-old British national returned last autumn as Creative Director to Mazda's European R&D Centre in Oberursel, Germany, where he spent five years in the 1990s.
Rice also gained valuable automotive experience working at different brands in Europe, including BMW. He succeeds Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer at Mazda Europe's R&D Centre, who is retiring after a successful 26-year stint with Mazda.


"Mazda has a long tradition in Europe for its stand-out designs and is considered the most European of Japanese brands. This is in large part thanks to Peter's passion for design and for cars," said Jeff Guyton, President & CEO, Mazda Motor Europe. "I would like to thank him for his contribution to Mazda's success, and am certain we can continue to count on Peter's support and expertise. That said, we are fortunate to have a successor of such great talent. Kevin will continue Peter's work, giving Mazda the necessary continuity while at the same time representing a new generation of designers."

Posted in: Europe,Germany,Jeff Guyton,Kevin Rice,Mazda,New Appointment,Peter Birtwhistle