Richard Ferlazzo has been appointed GM Australia Design Director. He will be responsible for Advanced, Production and Global Contract programs when he begins his new role September 1st.
Taking over Andrew Smith who left Holden this month to assume a senior design role in Detroit, Ferlazzo will report directly to Executive Director GM International Operations Design, Michael Simcoe.
Since starting as a Creative Designer with Holden in 1988 – following his studies at RMIT in Melbourne – Ferlazzo has held positions leading interior, exterior and advanced design, as well as concept car creation and international design programs.
During his career at GM Holden, Ferlazzo contributed to virtually every Commodore program since VN. His career highlights include leading the interior design team for the VR Commodore, leading the exterior design team for the VT Commodore program and holding the Chief Designer position for the VE and VF Commodore programs. Additional highlights include the ‘new millennium’ V2 Monaro and GTO programs.
“Having a flair for design and a passion for cars it was almost inevitable that I became an automotive designer,” Ferlazzo said in a statement. “To now be leading such an experienced and dynamic team here at Holden design is a genuine privilege. I see my new role as integral to helping shape the Holden brand of the future and driving global collaboration for future product development.
In 1994, Ferlazzo was given the responsibility to redesign the iconic Holden Lion corporate logo which remains unchanged to this day and adorns hundreds of thousands of Holden vehicles.
He was also responsible for creating the award-winning Holden EFIJY concept car (pictured) in 2005, which was awarded the coveted ‘Concept Car of the Year’ following its debut at the 2007 NAIAS.
Ferlazzo grew up in Windsor, Australia, before moving to Melbourne at age 10. Born into a dedicated Holden family, his father owned an EH Holden for many years and Richard lists his favorite Holden of all time as the iconic EH Premier.
“Holden is in my blood and I’m looking forward to the challenge of ensuring Holden vehicles continue to evolve to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future,” said Ferlazzo.
