Open House: WhiteGrey: Welcome to the Volvo-verse: designing a world where everyone can feel free to move

Volvo has been on a journey.

Over the last five years, the Swedish icon has become the fastest-growing luxury car brand in Australia, powered by class-leading design, globally recognised innovations (Living Seawall) and a relentless push to become a fully electric auto-maker by 2026, four years earlier than the global target.

But for Volvo, the past is prologue.

The next five years will see Volvo unveil its most ambitious plans yet: to transform into a sustainable mobility company, and to enable every Australian to use Volvo, even if they never own a Volvo.

When everyone can use Volvo, everyone can be safe. And when we’re safe, we’re truly free to move.

Ride-sharing, subscription models, charging infrastructure, mobile showrooms…welcome to the Volvo-verse.

Join Stephen Connor, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia and Lee Simpson, Chief Executive Officer whiteGREY for this glimpse inside the next five years of the global icon.

SPEAKERS

Stephen Connor, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia

Stephen Connor is the Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, the local arm of a global auto business that has made safety, sustainability, and environmental care its core focus. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the global auto industry and is overseeing Volvo’s ambitious transformation locally into a fully electric car company by 2026 and one that is climate neutral by 2030. Since joining Volvo in 2017, Stephen’s natural and hands-on leadership style has turned the company into Australia’s fastest growing luxury car brand. He has also proactively supported the Volvo Living Seawall project, which is improving biodiversity and water quality in Sydney Harbour, and the Volvo Ocean Lovers Festival, a major event that educates and entertains the public about sustainability and the ocean. Stephen lives in Sydney with his wife and daughter.

Lee Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, WhiteGrey

Lee Simpson is an award-winning CEO who led the turnaround at whiteGREY Australia, a creative technology agency (part of WPP). During his tenure, whiteGREY has been celebrated as a top 10 Agency in the Pacific (Cannes Creativity Report), top 10 APAC agency for Effectiveness (WARC), Grand Prix winner for Effective Innovation (WARC), celebrated at the Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards and has been recognised on the Australian Financial Review Most Innovative Companies list in consecutive years (No.1 Australian Creative Agency in 2022 and top 3 in Media and Marketing 2024). Lee is also a strategic advisor, qualified Sociologist and has over 150 creative and effectiveness awards including two Grand Prix at Cannes and the rare D&AD Black Pencil.

This is an open house session. Open House sessions are open to all, however capacity is limited so guests will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. For an invite to this session contact Justine Leong, Justine.Leong@whitegrey.com.au