Nio expands global design team with two new senior studio directors

A further two senior studio directors have been recruited to Nio’s expanding international design team. From October 1^st, Joaquin Garcia and Alister Whelan join the recent addition of Andreas Nilsson alongside Colin Phipps as studio directors. Each has responsibility to lead and nurture global teams working on the growing range of programs for the EV brand.

Garcia arrives at Nio 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 in Barcelona, Valencia, Cologne and Paris with established vehicle makers. “This an exciting moment to join Nio, a brand with a strong design philosophy and identity,” says Garcia. “As part of the highly talented and cosmopolitan team, I will do my best to contribute to creating the next generation of Nio cars.”

Whelan joins Nio after 21 years at Jaguar Land Rover, most recently as design director, where he led overall responsibility for both interior design and digital experience. “I’m extremely proud to join Kris 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,” says Whelan.

Both will report to Kris Tomasson, vice president 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,” says Tomasson. “Both bring unsurpassed levels of senior experience and together with our established Studio Directors, will provide the leadership to deliver on the on our promise for an exceptional user experience.”