Defence
For over 155 years, Sir Robert McAlpine, a UK family owned business, has been a trusted partner, delivering major civil and defence infrastructure projects, and sensitive, high security projects, across the United Kingdom.
11th April 2024
Mike Hickson OBE joins as Managing Director of Defence
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence.
Mike joins us from HS2 Ltd and will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of growing the infrastructure business unit, one of the company’s core sectors.
He brings 30 years of military experience to his new role, including active service in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a Brigadier, he was appointed Chief Logistician at PJHQ Northwood before becoming Director of the Royal Logistic Corps. After the military, Mike joined Fluor, initially in business development for government services, before becoming Logistics Director. He then joined HS2 Limited as Programme Director for the Central Section of Phase 1, ultimately spending the last three years as Land and Property Director.
In post, Mike will help develop projects that are critical to the UK’s Defence infrastructure.
We are delighted to welcome Mike to lead our Defence team as well as set and deliver our Defence strategy. Mike’s career to date and specialist knowledge of the sector demonstrates he will be an invaluable asset to Sir Robert McAlpine and the right fit to build our Defence business.
Tony Gates Executive Managing Director of Infrastructure
Mike Hickson OBE, Managing Director of Defence at Sir Robert McAlpine, said:
“Sir Robert McAlpine is a household name, renowned for its infrastructure work. I look forward to working closely with the team to continue that legacy and deliver world class infrastructure for Defence projects.”
We have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
-
Find out more
Latest Infrastructure news
-
![]()
Read more aboutConstruction of Britain’s longest rail bridge completed
11 Sept 2025Our Align JV has completed civil engineering works on HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct
-
![]()
Read more aboutSignificant HS2 milestone as Chiltern Tunnel complete
07 Aug 2025The construction of the 10-mile tunnel by our Align JV finishes ahead of schedule
-
![]()
Read more aboutColne Valley Viaduct scoops two NCE Bridges awards
05 Aug 2025Iconic structure forms part of the HS2 project being constructed by our Align JV
Latest news
-
![]()
Read more aboutTherme Manchester build begins
17 Sept 2025Following our appointment as Construction Manager, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of works on site last week.
-
![]()
Read more aboutConstruction of Britain’s longest rail bridge completed
11 Sept 2025Our Align JV has completed civil engineering works on HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct
-
![]()
Read more aboutSir Robert McAlpine appointed to Therme Manchester
09 Sept 2025We have been appointed as Construction Manager on the UK's first urban wellbeing resort in Manchester
- Tags
- Defence