2022 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
My first job was with Rimac Automobili. I have always wanted to work as an engineer in vehicle development. Initially, I was leaning more toward racecar engineering. However, Rimac has allowed me to both design for the automotive industry as well as develop top-performing battery packs for high-performance cars and racecars.

Your greatest achievement?
During my time at Rimac Automobili and now at Rimac Technology I have had the opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth in many ways. From a technical standpoint, I’m proud to say that I have helped develop and design one of the world’s most power-dense battery packs for a hybrid hypercar. I also lead the development of the most energy-dense battery pack for an EV hypercar. These achievements would not be possible without my handpicked team of talent battery systems engineers. In my private life, it’s my relationship with my girlfriend, Mirela.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
At the start of my career, I accepted a number of project requirements from a client who I didn’t realize was also inexperienced. This caused several long-term project development issues. This taught me that some clients aren’t as experienced as they say. This realization has helped save me a lot of time during future projects.

What is your current challenge at work?
Having enough time to get everything done is a constant challenge. We should just invent a time machine.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
A colleague told me to never hire a person if you have even the slightest doubt about the person’s character. Experience and knowledge don’t matter as much as the person’s integrity. By following this advice, I have created an excellent team.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
All that matters is that you enjoy your work. If you love what you do, you will achieve great results and have success. This is true in every field.

What job do you really want to have in the future?
I would like to work in racecar engineering. Perhaps one day there will be an opportunity for me to put my battery systems skills to work for a racing team.

What do you do to relax?
I race remote control cars. This is fun for me because I get use my engineering skills to improve the car.

What is your dream location to live?
Although I have traveled around the world, I still haven’t found a better place to live than the Croatian islands.

What is your favorite driving song?
If I’m driving an exciting car I prefer to simply listen to the sound of its engine.

What was your favorite road trip and why?
This didn’t involve any roads as it was vacation spent sailing on a rented catamaran with friends around the islands in southern Croatia.

What was your first car?
A Honda Civic.

Current car?
An Audi A3.

If you were a car, which one would you be?
Probably something that shows immediate response. I’m thinking of a Ferrari F40 or Lotus Exige.