Mercedes Designer Heads Back to BMW

TURIN – BMW AG will welcome back a prodigal son March 1, when designer Karim Habib returns to the fold after a 2-year stint with rival Mercedes-Benz.

The Beirut-born Habib, 39, was trained at the Art Center College in Vevey, Switzerland, and Pasadena, CA, in the U.S., and is credited with contributing to the latest BMW 7-Series and the Concept CS, which influenced the design of the 6-Series coupe and cabriolet.

In his new position, he will lead the exterior design team for the BMW brand, reporting to group design director Adrian van Hooydonk. Habib replaces Anders Warming, who will head up Mini design.