EV manufacturer Nio, which recently launched its vehicles onto the European market, says it has recruited two new senior studio directors. Joaquin Garcia and Alister Whelan are set to join recent recruit Andreas Nilsson alongside Colin Phipps as studio directors. Each will be responsible for leading global teams working on the growing range of programs for the smart EV brand.
Whelan joins Nio after 21 years at Jaguar Land Rover, most recently as design director, where he had overall responsibility for interior design and digital experience. “I’m extremely proud to join Kris [Tomasson] and the Nio family. Both progressive and human, Nio is a premium brand I’ve genuinely admired for some time, and I look forward to contributing to its success,” said Whelan on his appointment.
Garcia arrives at the company after five years at SEAT and Cupra, where he was the lead for exterior design for all production and show cars. Before joining the VW Group in 2010, Garcia gained experience with established vehicle makers in Barcelona, Valencia, Cologne and Paris.
Both will report to Kris Tomasson, VP of Nio Design. “For Nio to attract the caliber, creativity and reputation that both Alister and Joaquin enjoy gives me immense satisfaction at just how far we have come in a very short space of time,” remarked Tomasson. “Both bring unsurpassed levels of senior experience and, together with our established studio directors, will provide the leadership to deliver on our promise for an exceptional user experience.”
