Published on 30 July 2018
Tributes have been paid to the “talented and inspiring” global design director of car giant Ford who died at the age of 53.
University of Sunderland alumnus Christopher Svensson oversaw the distinctive styling of the current Ford GT and played key roles in the design of the Ford Ka and Ford Focus.
Born in 1965 and raised in Sunderland, Christopher undertook a foundation art course at the city's then polytechnic between 1983/84.
Joe Woodhouse, Programme Leader for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at the University of Sunderland, said: “The University was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Chris and we would like to pass on our condolences to his family and loved-ones.
“We are very proud that Chris was part of the University family and we have followed his career with admiration. We are sure that future generations of our students will be inspired by his talents and many achievements.”
After leaving Sunderland, Christopher went on to study at Coventry University and held a Master of Arts degree from the Royal College of Art.
After graduation, he joined Ford Germany in 1992 as an exterior designer and had a successful career at Ford which lasted for 26 years.
Christopher worked for Ford’s design centres in Australia, England, and Germany, rising to the title of Design Director of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa before moving to the U.S. in order to work at the company's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
In Dearborn, Christopher served as head of Ford design for North & South America and as Global Design Director for trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, as of January 2014.
As an exterior designer at Ford, he was known for his work on the first-generation Ford Ka city car and the third-generation of the Ford Focus.
Following the announcement of Christopher’s death, Ford Motor Company said: “We are sad to learn of the passing of Ford Design Director Chris Svensson. Chris was a talented designer, an inspiring leader, and a friend to many people. He made countless contributions to Ford during his 26-year career and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Christopher Svensson is survived by his wife, Sonia, and their two twin daughters.