Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted citizenship to Pierre Leclercq, the Belgian automotive designer best known for his work with BMW and his current position as Citroën’s head of design.
The decree was published on Russia’s official legal information portal on Monday, July 13. It lists Leclercq, who was born in Belgium on July 29, 1972, among 12 people admitted to Russian citizenship.
According to Vedomosti’s report on the decree, the document states: “The following persons are to be admitted to citizenship of the Russian Federation: […] Pierre Leclerc, born on July 29, 1972, in Belgium.”
Russian reports have generally written the designer’s surname as Leclerc, although Citroën and its parent company, Stellantis, use the spelling Leclercq.
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No explanation has been given for the decision, and it remains unclear why the Belgian designer applied for or received a Russian passport. Leclercq has not publicly commented on the announcement.
A career with some of the world’s largest carmakers
Leclercq joined BMW in 2000 after studying transportation design at the ArtCenter College of Design in California and working briefly at Ford’s Ghia design studio in Italy.
During his time with the German manufacturer, he worked on exterior design projects involving BMW, Rolls-Royce and Mini. He is closely associated with the development of the BMW X5 and X6, two models that became central to the company’s sport utility vehicle range.
In 2011, he was appointed to lead design for BMW M, the company’s high-performance division. He remained with the BMW Group until 2013, when he moved to China to become design director at Great Wall Motors.
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Leclercq spent four years with the Chinese manufacturer before joining Kia as design director in South Korea in 2017.
Citroën appointed him in 2018
Leclercq returned to Europe the following year when he was selected to lead Citroën’s design department.
In its announcement of his appointment, Stellantis described Leclercq as a designer with extensive international experience and confirmed that he would take charge at Citroën from November 1, 2018.
He succeeded Alexandre Malval and has since overseen the French brand’s design direction during a period in which Citroën has introduced a new visual identity and expanded its range of electric vehicles.
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His work at the company has included involvement in projects such as the Citroën Oli concept, an unconventional electric vehicle designed to explore lighter construction, lower production costs and more sustainable materials.
Motive for citizenship remains unknown
Leclercq’s inclusion in the decree has attracted attention because of his prominent position within a major Western automotive group and the wider political tensions between Russia and European countries.
However, there is currently no evidence that the decision is connected to a new professional role in Russia or an intended move to the country.
Reports confirming the citizenship have not provided details about Leclercq’s reasons for obtaining it, while Citroën and Stellantis have not publicly announced any change to his employment.
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Unless further information is released, the circumstances surrounding the decision and its possible effect on his work at Citroën remain unclear.
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