About the Designer
Edward T. Welburn, Jr.
Former Vice President of Global Design, General Motors
Edward Welburn brings over four decades of global design leadership across automotive, product, and fashion industries. As the sixth Vice President of Global Design at General Motors — and the first African American to hold the position — he led a global team of over 1,400 designers across 11 studios worldwide.
His work spans more than 500 vehicle programs and has influenced some of the most recognized automotive brands globally, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Opel, and Holden.
Legacy & Recognition
Welburn’s contributions extend beyond automotive design into film, product innovation, and storytelling. His work on the Transformers franchise and the iconic Bumblebee Camaro, along with ongoing development of a feature film on the life of Charlie Wiggins, reflects a continued commitment to creative innovation.
His designs are part of the Smithsonian Institution archives, and he has been inducted into both the Automotive Hall of Fame and the Corvette Hall of Fame.