Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Sir Robert McAlpine appoints Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence

Defence

Sir Robert McAlpine appoints Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence

Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence, to take responsibility 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.

Image courtesy Sir Robert McAlpine

Joining from HS2 Limited, Mike Hickson OBE (above) 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.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

In post, Mike will help develop projects that are critical to the UK’s defence infrastructure.

Commenting on the news, Tony Gates, Executive Managing Director of Infrastructure at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “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.”

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

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.”

Sir Robert McAlpine recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Spaceflux awarded UK Government space surveillance and tracking contracts

Defence Security Space

Spaceflux awarded UK Government space surveillance and tracking contracts

20 November 2025

UK-based specialist in space domain awareness (SDA) and space intelligence, Spaceflux Ltd, has won all three major multimillion-pound, multiyear UK government contracts to provide advanced space surveillance and tracking (SST) data across multiple orbital regimes.

QinetiQ and Forcys partner on Australian maritime security

Defence Security

QinetiQ and Forcys partner on Australian maritime security

20 November 2025

QinetiQ and Forcys have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability in maritime assurance, ensuring undersea and autonomous systems are safe, reliable and ready for operation.

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

Defence

UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

19 November 2025

Multiple sites across the UK for new factories to make munitions and military explosives to boost the UK’s warfighting readiness have been identified as the government moves to the next phase of building the factories of the future.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Babcock to support French government

Defence

Babcock to support French government's fleet of H145s

19 November 2025

Babcock France and Airbus Helicopters have been awarded a 10-year contract to provide in service support to the entire fleet of H145 of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité civile and the Gendarmerie nationale, helping to safeguard communities across France.

GA-ASI completes FST testing on MQ-9B

Defence

GA-ASI completes FST testing on MQ-9B

18 November 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed its 'third lifetime' of full-scale fatigue (FSF) testing for the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

Advertisement
ODU RT