MIRA Appoints New Director of Operations as It Gears-Up For Expansion

Whole vehicle engineering and test consultancy MIRA has appointed Declan Allen as its new Director of Operations.

Mr Allen joins MIRA as a main board director following its attainment of Enterprise Zone status and recent announcement of its intention to become Europe’s most advanced independent transport technology facility.

A mechanical engineer by profession, with a Masters in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering from Queens University in Belfast, Mr Allen brings 17 years of operational management experience in the automotive sector to the role at MIRA – which includes responsibility for all engineering programmes, test operations, research and capital investments.

Following his appointment Mr Allen commented: “I have known and respected MIRA as a business for many years. Its enviable reputation and clear strategic direction made working with the team here extremely appealing and I am relishing the prospect of playing a part in its ambitious expansion plans.”

Mr Allen arrives at MIRA from Mercedes Benz HighPerformanceEngines Ltd, where he played a pivotal role consolidating its F1 activities in Stuttgart & Northamptonshire into one UK technical centre as Senior Manager for Assembly & Test of Engines and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems.

MIRA CEO Dr George Gillespie welcomed the appointment: “With the significant growth we have experienced at MIRA over the past 2 years and the fantastic opportunities I can see ahead, Declan’s proven experience in building and leading high performance engineering and testing teams will be invaluable.

“We are planning for long-term success at MIRA and this appointment is a key element of that plan - ensuring that we can continue to deliver the highest quality service to our growing international customer base.”

With a passion for engineering that extends into his leisure time, Mr Allen is an avid motorsport fan and rarely misses a chance to watch Moto GP or F1.