Mike Haigh, our former executive chair, has died aged 64

Mike Haigh, the former executive chair of Mott MacDonald, has died aged 64. He passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday 30th March.

In a career that spanned over 40 years with Mott MacDonald, Mike had a huge impact on the business, the engineering industry and many people that he met, and worked with, along the way.

Mike trained as a civil engineer, joining Mott MacDonald as a graduate in 1981. He then embarked on a career in which he actively sought out the biggest challenges, from leading major infrastructure projects to driving growth in new markets and running the Group’s regional businesses.

During his three years as executive chair, he guided the company through many changes including its digital transformation, a greater emphasis on technical and professional excellence, the introduction of social outcomes, its Purpose, and the pandemic. He retired from Mott MacDonald in 2022.

Mike also championed the engineering industry throughout his career, serving as chair of the World Economic Forum Infrastructure Industries Governors Group and as a member of the FIDIC Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board. He was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a past president of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).

James Harris, chair and chief executive of Mott MacDonald, said: “Mike was a great friend and mentor to many at Mott MacDonald, both during and after his time here. Through his leadership, he made our business better and strengthened our position for the future. He will be greatly missed, and we are all deeply saddened by his passing.”