Hyundai’s U.S. design chief Joel Piaskowski resigns

LOS ANGELES — Joel Piaskowski, the chief designer for Hyundai Motor America, is resigning after six years at the company. Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford said he didn’t know what Piaskowski’s plans are after he leaves at the end of the month.

Piaskowski, 40, was named Hyundai’s chief designer in January 2003. He was the primary designer of the new Genesis luxury coupe, which arrives in showrooms next spring. He also worked on Hyundai’s HCD concepts, which are sporty, SUV-type vehicles. Piaskowski joined Hyundai from General Motors, where he spent 12 years working on Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick brands. He also spent one year at the Opel design center in Ruesselsheim.