Ford’s design chief to stand down

Ford has announced that current design director Martin Smith will retire at the end of 2014.

The 64-year old elected to work on a new global project studying the future direction of Ford design, before retiring from the company at the end of the year.

His replacement, Joel Piaskowski, currently the head of Ford's strategic concepts group, will take up the reigns on 1 July, having led the team in the creation of the new Ford Mustang and Ford F-150 pickup.

"Martin's leadership and passion for great design not only invigorated Ford of Europe's lineup but influenced Ford designs globally," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president.

Smith joined Ford in 2004, having previously worked for General Motors, and Audi before that. His time at Ford saw the development of the brand's ‘kinetic' design language that resulted in the creation of the first generation Kuga and S-Max models.

But he's done much, much more than just that. Click through the gallery for Smith's greatest hits. Which is your favourite?