Another familiar name returns to Volvo’s ranks, as the Swedish automaker has announced the appointment of Thomas Ingenlath as its chief design officer. Set to take office effective February 1, 2026, Ingenlath will join the company’s executive management team that also saw the return of Håkan Samuelsson as company CEO and president last April.
“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 Ingenlath. Prior to Ingenlath’s arrival, Nicholas Gronenthal served as Volvo’s interim head of global design in place of Jeremy Offer who resigned as Volvo’s design head in July 2025.
During his previous tenure as Volvo’s lead designer that started in 2012, Ingenlath was responsible for styling key Volvo models such as the second-generation XC90, S90/V90 and XC40 (previously previewed by the 40.1 concept). The German national also designed the Concept Coupe and 40.2 concept, which would eventually become the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 respectively.
After five years, Ingenlath was named CEO of Polestar in 2017 and was involved in the expansion of the brand’s line-up to include cars like the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4. He would later resign from the company in August 2024 before taking up a design advisory role for the Geely Group in July 2025. Long before joining Volvo, Ingenlath was in the Volkswagen Group designing for Audi and Volkswagen before being appointed chief designer at Skoda in 2000.
“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,” commented Samuelsson.
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just about time. I thought recent volvos design especially their ev look ugly as hell