SHANGHAI – Stuart Norris was named chief of Design for SAIC-GM, in addition to his existing responsibilities as vice president of Design for GM China and GM International, effective January 1, 2024. Based in Shanghai, he reports to SAIC-GM President Jingxiong Zhuang while also continuing to report to Michael Simcoe, GM senior vice president of Global Design.
In the new role, Norris is responsible for leading the overall design strategy for SAIC-GM and driving synergies between PATAC’s design studio, the GM China Advanced Design Center and GM's global design footprint to create an integral voice for China.
Reflecting the growing significance of design’s role in the fiercely competitive China market, the PATAC design function will report to Norris while maintaining a close and collaborative relationship with the broader product development organization in PATAC engineering.
“Stuart brings enormous experience in both advanced and production design as well as unparalleled insights in technological trends,” said Simcoe. “He will play an important role in integrating design and technology to meet the unique needs of the Chinese market.”
Norris started his career with GM in 2004 in the U.S. He held a variety of leadership positions in GM Global Design in multiple markets. During his tenure in Korea from 2012 to 2018, Norris explored advanced vehicle design and technologies for GM’s global brands and led the design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV as well as many other vehicles for GM’s global brands.
Before his assignment in China, Norris was the head of GM’s Advanced Mobility and Experience studio in the U.S. He led the team that was in charge of design for future portfolio entries, including the Cruise Origin, GM’s first purpose-built autonomous vehicle.
Norris assumed his current role as vice president of Design for GM China and GM International in August 2021. Under his leadership, GM China’s advanced design studio has doubled the size of its facility and team, with a focus on future EV design. As one of GM’s four advanced design studios globally, it has established a full-fledged advanced vehicle design capability encompassing creative design, digital and clay modeling and CMF (color, material and finish).
“Stuart has served as an important link providing Chinese market insights to influence GM’s global design,” said Julian Blissett, GM executive vice president and GM China president. “Stronger collaboration between GM Design and our joint ventures is instrumental for developing winning products for China in China.”
The PATAC design studio has become a leader in vehicle design in China, with a world-class capability, over more than two decades. It has actively participated in the design of global products for GM in the Chinese market, including the Buick CENTURY and Buick’s first Ultium-empowered EVs – the Electra E4 and Electra E5.
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