Frank Stephenson

Frank Stephenson (born October 3, 1959, in Casablanca, Morocco) is a highly influential automotive designer known for his work with some of the world’s most iconic car brands, including Ford, BMW, Mini, Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and McLaren. His most famous work includes the redesign of the Mini Cooper, which played a pivotal role in the brand’s revival in the early 2000s. He is considered one of the most impactful automotive designers of his generation, with Motor Trend calling him one of the “most influential automotive designers of our time.”

Stephenson’s upbringing was diverse, with a Norwegian father and Spanish mother. His early years were spent in Morocco before moving to Istanbul, Turkey, and then to Madrid, Spain. His passion for design and cars led him to study automotive design at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, from 1982 to 1986. Before pursuing design, Stephenson competed professionally in motocross for six years.

Stephenson’s career began at Ford, where he contributed to the design of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. He later moved to BMW, where he became Chief Designer and was responsible for designing the Mini Cooper, a project that earned the brand international acclaim. His work also included the BMW X5, BMW’s first SUV. In 2002, he transitioned to Ferrari and Maserati, where he designed the Ferrari F430 and the Maserati MC12. His leadership in design continued with roles at Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, where he was responsible for significant models like the Fiat 500.

Stephenson’s career took a major turn when he joined McLaren Automotive in 2008. There, he created the design language for McLaren, contributing to models such as the MP4-12C, P1, and 720S. After leaving McLaren in 2017, he founded his own design consultancy, working on projects across industries. He has also ventured into aviation, becoming head of design for Lilium, an eVTOL aircraft company, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative designer.