He has spent 15 years in the motorsport industry. As Renault F1’s technical director - engine division, he was involved in the campaign that saw the team win both the drivers’ and constructors’ World Championship titles in 2005 and 2006.
After leaving Formula 1, he formed an engineering company called Flybrid Automotive to develop high-speed flywheel-based hybrid systems for automobile applications.
His first presidential visit in June will see him strengthen Institution bonds with engineers and engineering organisations in Seattle and Vancouver in North America.
Hilton said: “I’m particularly keen on developing professional engineers, especially through mentoring, and on promoting entrepreneurialism.
“Mentoring can help us get the best out of ourselves. I believe every engineer should have a mentor and at least one mentee. In my opinion, there is enormous scope for increasing the potential of each and every engineer by better mentoring.”
He also wants to highlight the role of entrepreneurs and how well-placed professional engineers are to take up this crucial role. “Engineers are essentially problem-solvers and problem-solving is at the heart of entrepreneurialism. We have the chance to create more businesses, more jobs and more great products using our unique set of skills, and I would encourage more engineers to consider this role for themselves.”
