Meet the Managing Director: Mike Dale - Celebrating 10 Years of Leadership at Crown Highways
News / Meet the Managing Director: Mike Dale – Celebrating 10 Years of Leadership at Crown Highways
This year marks a special milestone for Crown Highways, as Managing Director Mike Dale celebrates an incredible 10 years with the business.
Over the past decade, Mike has played a pivotal role in driving Crown’s growth, expanding its capabilities, and cementing its reputation as a trusted and respected partner across the highways industry.
Recently, Mike took some time out from the busy world of highways to feature as a guest on HighwaysIndustry.com’s ‘The Extra Mile’ podcast, where he discussed his journey through the industry, his decade at Crown, and life away from work.
The feature offers a rare chance to get to know more about Mike – his motivations, his values, and his perspective on what it takes to lead in a constantly evolving sector, as well as a few more lighthearted revelations!
Life before Crown…
Before joining Crown Highways, Mike held the position of Technology Director at Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK, where he was instrumental in securing and successfully managing Regional Technology Maintenance Contracts covering 50% of the Highways England network.
He also developed strategies that enabled Balfour Beatty to deliver major technology-led infrastructure schemes such as the M4/M5, SMART Motorways, Dartford Freeflow, and M25 renewal projects.
Putting People First: Building the Crown Family
At the heart of Mike Dale’s leadership is a deep commitment to people. His vision is clear: retain talent, invest in development, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Since 2020, Crown Highways has doubled its workforce, a testament not only to the company’s growth but also to its ability to attract and retain skilled individuals.
Mike’s open-door policy encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every voice is heard. He actively listens to ideas from across the business, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered.
Under Mike’s guidance, Crown has introduced a range of company benefits and a structured reward system to recognise hard work and dedication. Earlier this year, alongside Chairman Steve Jones, Mike made a pivotal decision during the company-wide stand down: to invite a private health provider to carry out PSA and cholesterol testing for staff. This proactive initiative led to early detection for a few individuals, who are now receiving support and care. The programme has already been booked for next year, reinforcing Crown’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
Mike’s people-first approach, shared by Steve, has helped shape a workplace culture where individuals want to stay, grow, and be part of something meaningful. It’s this ethos that continues to build the Crown family, a team united not just by their work, but by shared values and mutual respect.
A decade of driving things forward
Since stepping into his role at Crown in 2015, Mike has overseen a period of sustained progress and innovation.
Under his leadership, Crown Highways has grown from strength to strength – becoming a key delivery partner on numerous national frameworks and landmark infrastructure schemes. Beyond commercial success, Mike has also championed a company-wide culture of community engagement and charitable giving, ensuring that Crown continues to make a positive impact both on and off the road network.
Mike’s vision, leadership, and passion for people have been central to Crown’s evolution. His approach balances operational excellence with social responsibility, fostering a business that not only delivers exceptional work but also gives back to the communities it serves.
