Volvo design chief Jeremy Offer has resigned after two years.
His resignation comes just months after the departure of former Volvo CEO Jim Rowan, who was instrumental in his appointment.
Both executives had come into the car industry as outsiders: Rowan was previously the chief of Dyson and Offer had spent six years as the lead designer for now-defunct van start-up Arrival.
In a statement published by Car Design News, Volvo said Offer tendered his resignation to spend more time with his family; he had had to commute between the UK and Volvo’s base in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Nick Gronenthal, head of automotive design for Volvo, has been appointed as the brand’s interim head of design.
A long-term successor for Offer has yet to be decided, but it seems that former Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath – recently appointed to an advisory role overseeing design for Volvo parent firm Geely – will be key in making the decision.
Håkan Samuelsson, who was recently reappointed CEO of Volvo, told Automotive News Europe that Ingenlath’s input will be “highly valued” at Volvo and that “he will help” to coach its designers.
“He can give me some tips also on what I should do – or not do,” added Samuelsson.
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I don't know how Marek Reichman could possibly turn down the opportunity to design for Volvo. Someone should let him know that there's an opening for him to showcase his design talents.