The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), a division of the Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health, has announced that Ralph Gilles – Stellantis Chief Design Officer is their 2023 winner of the EyesOn Design Lifetime Design Achievement Award. EyesOn Design celebrates automotive design excellence of the past, present, and future by drawing attention to the importance of design in the industry.
Now in its 36th year, the recipient of this prestigious honor is selected by previous winners of the award. That elite list includes noted designers such as Chris Bangle, Peter Brock, Wayne Cherry, Willie G. Davidson, Walter de’Silva, Leonardo Fioravanti, Tom Gale, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Patrick LeQuement, Syd Mead, Shiro Nakamura, Stewart Reed, Peter Schreyer, Jack Telnack and Ed Welburn.
“Ralph is a respected leader within the automotive design community and his creativity and passion is reflected in his work. His understanding of the market, trends, and car culture strategically position him at the forefront of his profession,” said Philip C. Hessburg, MD, Medical Director, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health. “At Stellantis, Ralph champions diversity and inclusion while promoting a work environment that encourages mutual respect and integrity. We’re proud to honor him with this year’s award.”
Gilles, 52, celebrated 30 years with the Stellantis (and its previous organizations) in 2022. He has overseen and contributed to the creation of a vast portfolio of eye-catching designs, and he turned out some of the most exciting vehicles on the road today wearing badges of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram Truck brands.
The award will be presented to Gilles by the former Head of Design of Chrysler Corporation, Tom Gale. Gale ran the design team from 1985 to 2000 and helped transform the automaker into a design leader. Gale mentored Gilles, helping to shape who he is today through leadership and guidance.
The EyesOn Design award dinner will be held on Friday, June 16th, 2023 at the Stellantis Conner Center (the former Conner Assembly Plant – Home to the Dodge Viper) in Detroit. The event will kick off the EyesOn Design weekend of events that culminates with the annual car show in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan: EyesOn Design at Ford House.
Source: EyesOn Design
