Benoit Jacob joins GAC

Renowned EV designer Benoit Jacob has joined GAC as the executive design Director of their R&D Centre. Jacob will work closely with Fan Zhang, VP of GAC R&D Centre, to spearhead the design strategy and practice.

Of his appointment, Jacob expressed his optimism in the future of Chinese automotive brands and his appreciation for GAC’s dedication to design innovation. “Chinese car brands are rapidly earning global recognition, and GAC is leading this charge. I am particularly inspired by GAC’s commitment to pushing the limits of design and technology, and I see enormous potential in what we can accomplish together,” he said.

Zhang shared his confidence in Benoit’s appointment: “We are excited to welcome Benoit Jacob to our team. His visionary design approach and remarkable track record in creating iconic vehicles will be immensely valuable. I look forward to working alongside him and our talented designers at GAC Design to elevate GAC as a globally recognised, design-driven automotive brand.”

Benoit Jacob, renowned for pioneering the concept of Smart Surfaces, has transformed the design aesthetics of electric vehicles by reimagining forms and surfaces. In an era where traditional grilles are no longer needed, Jacob emphasises innovative design that conveys emotion, creating a new visual language that resonates with users. His vision extends beyond the exterior of the vehicle, focusing also on redefining the interior. Jacob highlights the evolving demands for more spacious and flexible interiors, where luxury is now crafted through intelligent technologies and digital features rather than solely relying on premium materials.

With over two decades of experience, Jacob has held prestigious roles at top automotive brands. He began his career at Renault in 1994, working on iconic models like the Spider, Fiftie concept, and Laguna II. He later joined Volkswagen in 2001, playing a key role in establishing Audi’s advanced design studio in Munich, where he contributed to the design of the Audi A1, A4/A5, and R8, as well as the VW Passat and Lamborghini models.

In 2004, Jacob joined BMW, where he led the design of several groundbreaking vehicles, including the F30 3 Series, F32/F33 6 Series, and the i3 and i8, which became globally recognised benchmarks for electric vehicle design. His role expanded to Head of BMW Advanced Design and Vice President of BMW Group Design, where he oversaw projects for BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. Jacob’s influence in the EV design continued at Byton and NIO, where he played a strong role in shaping the future of electric vehicles.