Good Morning Obots!
This week we will feature an exclusive group of individuals that are tops in automobile design. These creative and talented people are behind some of the most innovative looks for your “ride.”
Today’s talented feature is Ralph Gilles.
Ralph V. Gilles (born January 14, 1970) is an African American-Canadian automobile designer.
Gilles is currently the President and CEO of the SRT Brand and Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler Group LLC. He styled the 2005 Chrysler 300— after joining Chrysler in 1992.
Gilles was born in New York City to Haitian immigrants and raised in Montreal, Quebec.
Gilles has been passionate about cars since the age of 6 and began drawing concept vehicles by the age of 8. When Gilles was 14, an aunt (Giselle Mouscardy) noticed he was talented at sketching cars and wrote to former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca to inform him of her nephew’s talents. A reply came from K. Neil Walling, Chrysler’s design chief at the time, suggesting Gilles attend one of three design schools.
He attended the College for Creative Studiesin Detroit, Michigan. In 2002, Gilles received an Executive MBAfrom Michigan State University.
In August, 2008, Gilles replaced the now retired Trevor Creedas Senior Vice President of Design. In October 2009, Gilles was promoted to President and CEO of the Dodge Car Brand.He was replaced as Dodge’s CEO in June 2011, remaining Senior Vice President of Design and becoming CEO of Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division.