Carl Zipfel Mentor
Carl Zipfel
Company: GM
Position: General Motors Design Manager, Crossover Truck Studio
Bio
Carl Zipfel, age 44, General Motors Design Manager, Crossover Truck Studio in Warren, Michigan, a position he has held since May 2011. A self-proclaimed “truck guy,” avid off-road enthusiast, and former professional motorcycle racer, Carl has received several pivotal assignments during his career, the majority helping to define the future of GM’s truck design.
Carl joined GM upon graduation from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1993 where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design, working on the C5 Corvette as his first assignment.
In 1995 he was appointed Chief Designer for GMC where he had the opportunity to provide a decade of leadership with the studio team responsible for the brand’s growing portfolio of products and concepts.
Carl was named Director of Design for Hummer in 2004 and for the next five years spearheaded studies such as the HX concept and all the production vehicle work to ensure the continued success of the H2 and H3 and launch of the all-new H3T.
Prior to his current assignment in the Crossover Studio, Zipfel was Design Manager of the GM Advanced Truck studio, where he managed the development and execution of the GMC All Terrain Concept truck which debuted at the 2011 Detroit International auto show.
A native of Strongsville, Ohio, Carl enjoys several outdoor activities, including motocross, mountain biking, and skiing. Ever the competitor, who knows success requires passion, talent, time, and teamwork, Carl continues to apply those lessons today while leading teams through the development of exciting new products for General Motors.
Carl Zipfel, age 44, General Motors Design Manager, Crossover Truck Studio in Warren, Michigan, a position he has held since May 2011. A self-proclaimed “truck guy,” avid off-road enthusiast, and former professional motorcycle racer, Carl has received several pivotal assignments during his career, the majority helping to define the future of GM’s truck design.
Carl joined GM upon graduation from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1993 where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design, working on the C5 Corvette as his first assignment.
In 1995 he was appointed Chief Designer for GMC where he had the opportunity to provide a decade of leadership with the studio team responsible for the brand’s growing portfolio of products and concepts.
Carl was named Director of Design for Hummer in 2004 and for the next five years spearheaded studies such as the HX concept and all the production vehicle work to ensure the continued success of the H2 and H3 and launch of the all-new H3T.
Prior to his current assignment in the Crossover Studio, Zipfel was Design Manager of the GM Advanced Truck studio, where he managed the development and execution of the GMC All Terrain Concept truck which debuted at the 2011 Detroit International auto show.
A native of Strongsville, Ohio, Carl enjoys several outdoor activities, including motocross, mountain biking, and skiing. Ever the competitor, who knows success requires passion, talent, time, and teamwork, Carl continues to apply those lessons today while leading teams through the development of exciting new products for General Motors.
Education / Experience
Location: United States
