Tisha Johnson: 2026 World Car Person of the Year Candidate

Tisha Johnson, Head of Design, Slate As Head of Design at Slate, Tisha Johnson is shaping the visual and emotional identity of one of the most exciting and closely watched new players in the electric vehicle space. With a career rooted in human-centred, emotionally intelligent design, Johnson brings a distinctive blend of artistic sensitivity and real-world usability to Slate’s products. Her work is defined by a belief that vehicles should feel intuitive, inclusive and personal, rather than intimidating or overly technical. Before joining Slate, Johnson worked for Volvo and globally renowned furniture firm Herman Miller, building a reputation for thoughtful, forward-looking design that prioritised the relationship between people and products. At Slate, she has been instrumental in establishing a design language that is both modern and approachable, helping the brand stand apart in an increasingly crowded EV market. Johnson’s leadership extends beyond aesthetics, influencing materials, interfaces and user experience to ensure design supports sustainability, accessibility and everyday life. In a period of rapid industry change, her work demonstrates how strong design can help new brands connect meaningfully with customers.