Sir Robert McAlpine has brought in HS2 programme director Mike Hickson as managing director of its defence operation.

Hickson will be responsible for setting and delivering McAlpine’s defence strategy which forms a part of its core infrastructure business unit.

Hickson 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, Hickson joined Fluor before becoming logistics director.

In 2015, he joined HS2 as programme director for the Central Section of Phase 1, ultimately spending the last three years as land and property director.

Hickson will report to Tony Gates, executive managing director of Infrastructure, who, described him as an invaluable asset and the right fit to build McAlpine’s defence business.”