Michigan Business & Economy

Retiring GM design chief reflects on being black, bankruptcy, and bringing back beauty

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published June 16, 2016 at 4:20 PM EDT

Ed Welburn worked as an auto designer at GM for 44 years.

Ever since EdWelburndesigned cars as a toddler, it seemed like destiny would lead him to working at General Motors. The first time he entered the company’s campus as an employee was an emotional experience he would never forget.

“Just coming through the gates,”Welburnrecalled onStateside. “It was like going to Disneyland.”

Welburn retires as the highest ranking African American executive at any auto company worldwide. Among his career highlights are the Camaro redesign and the latest Corvette model. Car and Driver magazine called him "the man who brought beauty back to GM."

Welburn spoke with Lester Graham on Stateside about his time at GM.

Guest

EdwardWelburnis the vice president of global design at General Motors. He will be retiring in July after 44 years with the company.