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.”

His arrival comes amid senior management changes following the departure of chief executive Paul Hamer over two months ago, replaced by former Lendlease chief Neil Martin.

Among the other senior leavers, Mike O’Donnell has left the business after returning to McAlpine a year ago as commercial director. Previous to rejoining in 2019 he had spent 17 years at the business.

A Sir Robert McAlpine spokesperson said Mark Taylor would now be heading up a combined commercial and major projects team.