Exclusive: Raul Pires replaces Max Wolff as head of Ford design in China and Asia

While there has been no official announcement, CDN understands that Design VP at Onvo – a sub-brand of Nio – Raul Pires will replace Max Wolff as head of design for Ford China and Asia. Pires joined Onvo as VP of Global Design with a focus on designing mass-market electric cars. Pires oversaw design strategy and execution for new models such as the L60 and L90. 

A former long-serving head of exterior design at Bentley where he created notable models including the rakish Continental GT, Pires (shown above) got his break in China when he joined Great Wall Motor in early 2020. 

It marks the end of a 7-year tenure for the outgoing design director Max Wolff who first joined Ford in 2011 to head up Lincoln design. In 2019, the designer was appointed design director for China and IMG (International Markets Group), leading the studio in Shanghai. During his time he oversaw models such as the Ford Ranger, Everest and China-specific products like mid-size crossover SUV, the Evos. 

Wolff spoke at length with Car Design News in 2024 about the proliferation of Chinese car brands and Ford’s strategy of being “in China, for China.” 

The move is just one of a series of recent appointments with advanced design director at Nio Adil Benwadih also moving on from the brand. Meanwhile, overall head of design Kris Tomasson continues to lead Nio since his appointment in 2015.