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.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence.
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.
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.
Hexham Hospital and Farringdon Row MSCP winners at Constructing Excellence North East Awards 2025
Our Align JV builds tunnel extensions for HS2 to stop sonic booms from 200mph trains entering the 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel.
The A19 project team wins the Ethos award for excellence in wellbeing, training, and community engagement.
Congratulations to Rachael Smith, our Head of HR – Strategy & Transformation, who was named Role Model of the Year at the British Forces in Business Awards 2025.
During Armed Forces Week, we speak to Katy Maloney to understand how our commitment to the Forces community provides essential support for military families.
As we celebrate the beginning of Armed Forces Week 2025, we are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.