Hyundai design leaders honoured with awards

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) leading design figures Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Design Officer and Chief Creative Officer; and Peter Schreyer, executive Design Advisor and Brand Ambassador, have been recognised with Automotive News Centennial Awards for their outstanding contributions to global automotive design.

Presented during the 2025 Automotive News Europe Congress in Turin, Italy, which took place from 11 to 12 June 2025, the Centennial Awards celebrate 100 years of the publication. The awards honour extraordinary individuals whose creativity, innovation, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the global automotive industry.

Both Donckerwolke and Schreyer were recognised for their instrumental roles in transforming HMG into a global design powerhouse

Donckerwolke was praised for pushing creative boundaries and championing innovative and engaging design philosophies to differentiate the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. Furthermore, under Donckerwolke's leadership, HMG's automotive brands have earned global recognition for vehicles that blend technology, sustainability, and design excellence.

Schreyer joined Kia in 2006 and introduced a bold new design identity, redefining the brand with the now-iconic "tiger nose" grille. In 2013, he was promoted to Chief Design Officer of HMG and led an innovative renewal of the brand's SUV lineup and guided design across Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.

Peter Schreyer joined Kia in 2006 and introduced a bold new design identity, redefining the brand with the now-iconic "tiger nose" grille

Following his retirement at the end of 2023, Schreyer has served as a mentor for students under HMG's partnership with the Royal College of Art, supporting the Hyundai-Kia Design and Innovation Project, Intelligent Mobility MA Visiting Design Fellowship Program, Custom Professional Development Workshops, and The Hyundai-Kia Student Awards.

Also honoured was Giorgetto Giugiaro, whose relationship with Hyundai dates back to the 1970s. Cited as a key inspirational figure by both Donckerwolke and Schreyer, the renowned Italian designer was responsible for the iconic 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept, as well as the production Hyundai Pony.