Born in Krefeld in 1964, Thomas Ingenlath spent over 20 years at the Volkswagen Group, working for the Audi, Škoda and VW brands and heading up the group-wide Design Centre in Potsdam. His designs include the Škoda Superb, Škoda Fabia and Škoda Roomster, as well as the VW Nils electric concept car unveiled in 2011.
In 2012, Ingenlath moved to Volvo as chief designer, where he designed the second generation of the XC90, among other things. Five years later, he took the helm at Polestar, a spin-off from Volvo: as CEO, he was responsible for establishing the new electric car brand from 2017 onwards and was also responsible for the design of the first model, the Polestar 1.
However, Ingenlath stepped down as CEO of Polestar with effect from 30 September 2024, handing over the reins to former Opel managing director Michael Lohscheller. Ingenlath then went on to advise Polestar and Volvo’s parent company, Geely.
Now Thomas Ingenlath is returning to Volvo Cars, where he can do what he presumably loves most: designing cars, without the burden of a CEO role weighing him down. With his reappointment as Chief Design Officer at Volvo Cars, the Swedish brand wants to underline its commitment to visionary design and electrification.
Volvo speaks of the “return of one of the most influential designers in the company’s recent history” and is also making Ingenlath a member of the Executive Management Team. “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.
Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, says of the returnee: “Design is one of Volvo Cars’ greatest strengths and will continue to differentiate us in shaping the future of premium, electric mobility. 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.”
Ingenlath is already the second prominent returnee from Polestar to Volvo Cars. The previous Polestar CTO, Lutz Stiegler, returned to Volvo within Geely in the autumn. As Head of Architecture Strategy, the German is now a member of the Swedish company’s extended management team.
volvo.com
