In her new position, Windham, 35, will head the interior design for the following architectures in GM North America: Global Midsize Car, Global Compact Car and Global Small Car.
Windham was a lead designer on the 2008 award-winning Chevy Malibu Car of the Year. She began her career at GM North America Design in 1994 and has held assignments across brand studios, including an international assignment at Adam-Opel from 1997-1998.
"A mentor guided me towards automotive design. Without guidance and support from family and coworkers, I wouldn't be where I am today," Windham said. "I truly love my job - it's creative, expressive - but it is not easy. Enjoying what you do, however, makes it all worthwhile. I hope other young women will look to what I have done and be inspired to consider automotive design."
In 2002, Crystal was appointed to design manager, Interiors, and worked on several award-winning vehicles, including the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and 2007 Saturn Aura. Following that assignment, Windham became design manager, Advanced Exteriors, for full-size trucks, and in May 2007 she was appointed design manager, Exteriors. Her career has come full circle.
"As an interior designer, I create solutions and appealing spaces for customers. As a leader it's my job to foster creativity and ensure that creativity is represented in the final product. Our design vision, intent and integrity led us to create the best interiors in GM's history. I am excited to show our newest interiors to the world," she said.
Windham has a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from the Center for Creative Studies and a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit -Mercy.
