Today, Cadillac is celebrating International Women’s Day by putting the spotlight on the women behind the next-generation 2021 Escalade. There’s a saying ‘behind every icon there’s an iconic woman” and this couldn’t be truer for Cadillac’s top female designers who were responsible for updating this modern classic and making it today’s new king of luxury SUVs.
When Cadillac introduced the next-generation 2021 Escalade it pushed the journey forward with innovations that didn’t just enhance the driving experience – they completely revolutionized it. Packed with industry-first technologies, including 38-inch 4K OLED screen and AKG automotive audio system, and complete with a striking, fully redesigned exterior and interior, the new Escalade offers a refined driving experience like no other.
Here are the iconic women behind the next-generation 2021 Escalade:
Cadillac Interior Design Director Crystal Windham
Crystal Windham became Cadillac’s interior design director in January 2016. She joined GM in 1994 and her assignments have included multiple vehicle brands and special projects abroad. She became the first black female director in GM Design’s history in 2008 and has spearheaded several award-winning interiors. Her awards include Urban Wheel Designer of the Year, the Emerging Leader Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Automotive News 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry.
Infotainment and Displays Program Manager Joanne Leddy
Joanne L. Leddy is the program manager for the Infotainment and Displays organization at General Motors. She has responsibility for the infotainment strategy across the Cadillac brand and is the program manager for the Escalade. Joanne’s team was responsible for Escalade’s industry-first 36-inch OLED display. In addition, she’s responsible for the execution and implementation of numerous other infotainment systems in the GM portfolio.
Color and Trim Design Manager Michelle Killen
Michelle Killen is the design manager in the Color and Trim department. As a child growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michelle’s first dream was to design residential and commercial environments as an interior designer. Today, she leads a talented team curating in-vehicle environments for the customers around the globe.
Escalade Exterior Design Manager Therese Pinazzo
Therese Pinazzo was responsible for the exterior design of the striking 2021 Escalade. Therese says she’s inspired to be part of the Cadillac design team as it embarks on an exciting chapter in its storied history. She finds design inspiration in unconventional places, with hobbies ranging from fashion/costume design and performance art to designing handmade chocolate truffles.
