Volvo appoints former Polestar CEO as new design chief

Thomas Ingenlath returns to Volvo as Chief Design Officer

Volvo Cars has called back one of its former design bosses to lead its global design organization across the brand’s product portfolio.

Thomas Ingenlath has been appointed as the new Chief Design Officer of Volvo Cars, effective February 1, 2026. Ingenlath’s new role will be a notch higher than his prior Volvo role as senior vice president of design, and returns to the Volvo family after serving as CEO of Polestar.

“I am delighted to be returning to Volvo Cars. Design is fundamental to what Volvo stands for. I look forward to working closely with the teams across the company, developing cars that are distinct, relevant, and true to the Volvo brand,” said Thomas Ingenlath.

Volvo says Ingenlath played a central role in shaping the company’s contemporary Scandinavian design identity and establishing design as a defining element during his previous stint in the brand.

“Design is one of Volvo Cars’ greatest strengths and will continue to differentiate us in shaping the future of premium, electric mobility,” says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Thomas Ingenlath will strengthen our design leadership with his proven experience and vision, ensuring we continue to design cars that reflect our values and resonate with customers around the world.”

On the other hand, the interim head of global design, Nicholas Gronenthal, will move on as the new Volvo Head of Design in the Americas region.