Carrigaline, Ireland – From the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing to the glamorous realm of James Bond stunts, and now back to his native Ireland, Mike Keane’s career trajectory is anything but typical. Keane, founder and CEO of Hibra Design, embodies a growing trend in automotive engineering: the need for adaptability and a diverse skillset in a rapidly evolving industry. His story isn’t just about a fascinating personal journey. it’s a reflection of the changing demands within automotive technology and the opportunities that arise from embracing innovation.
Keane’s path began with a focused pursuit of automotive engineering, leading him to Coventry University in 1997, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Automotive Engineering Design. At the time, Ireland lacked specialized automotive courses, making Coventry, at the heart of the British automotive industry, a natural choice. This immersion in both academia and the UK automotive sector laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Today, he notes that entry points into the field are more diverse, emphasizing that the industry offers a wide range of roles beyond purely technical ones, including opportunities in program management, and marketing.
From Formula 1 to the Silver Screen
After university, Keane quickly ascended within the competitive world of motorsport, eventually becoming head of engineering for the Williams F1 advanced engineering division. His work between February 2013 and December 2015 centered on high-performance propulsion and vehicle design. He described the environment at Williams F1 as intensely demanding, requiring “mental clarity and sharpness,” but also incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to work on “amazing cars and amazing projects.” He highlighted the advanced technological capabilities available, including high-powered computing, simulation tools, and on-site manufacturing, stating, “To have that sort of calibre of technology at your fingertips was fantastic.”
However, Keane’s expertise wasn’t confined to the racetrack. In 2015, he took on a particularly high-profile project: leading the design of the stunt cars for the James Bond film Spectre. The challenge was immense – replicating the look of an Aston Martin while completely redesigning the vehicle’s interior to withstand the rigors of elaborate stunts, including driving down steps and performing ramps. The turnaround time was remarkably short, with vehicles undergoing testing in the Austrian Alps just 11 weeks after securing the contract. Keane recalled the intense work schedule, with design engineers working 16-18 hour days to meet the deadline. “We had vehicles testing and doing stunts in the Austrian Alps 11 weeks after we got the contract. So that was exceptionally, very intense.”
Hibra Design: Pioneering Electric Vehicle Innovation in Ireland
Today, Keane is channeling his extensive experience into Hibra Design, an automotive engineering development company established in 2022 and based in Carrigaline, County Cork. The company has quickly gained recognition, securing projects with clients in Ireland, the EU, the Middle East, and South Africa. Hibra Design’s success is underscored by several industry awards, including the Business Post Electric Vehicle Pioneer of Year in 2025, the 2024 National Start-Up Product and Manufacturing Gold Award, and the 2023 Enterprise Ireland One To Watch award.
A landmark achievement for Hibra Design was the development of Ireland’s first operational electric tractor in 2023, commissioned by Bord Na Móna. Keane explained that while many companies focus on converting classic cars to electric power, the tractor project presented a unique challenge: integrating the electric system seamlessly into the tractor’s existing control system. “It was just fantastic to be able to show that you can do this with these sort of vehicles… To show that it is technically possible, but for the customer there is a ‘real utilize’ case as well.” The project garnered significant attention, including a showcase at the Ploughing Championships, and led to Hibra Design being shortlisted in the Western Europe regional finals of the Global Startup Awards.
The Future of Automotive Engineering
Looking ahead, Keane sees a growing demand for engineers skilled in new vehicle design and vehicle system designs. He believes software development, particularly in the realm of autonomous vehicles, will be a critical area of focus. “I reckon from a technical point of view, software development, particularly around autonomous vehicles, that is what is coming down the line and there will be huge demand in those sort of areas.” He also emphasizes the importance of adaptability, noting that the automotive industry is constantly evolving and requires professionals who can apply their expertise to new challenges.
Keane’s journey highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of the automotive world. His experience demonstrates that skills honed in Formula 1 can be directly applied to the demands of film production and, to pioneering sustainable agricultural technology. As Hibra Design continues to innovate, Keane anticipates further opportunities to contribute to the advancement of automotive engineering in Ireland and beyond. The company is actively pursuing new projects and expanding its capabilities, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of vehicle technology.
Hibra Design is currently focused on new vehicle and system designs, with a growing pipeline of potential projects. The company’s success underscores the potential for innovation within Ireland’s automotive sector.
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