Meet the Team
Experts who are always happy to share knowledge and go the extra mile.
There when it matters
At Core Highways, we have an Executive Leadership Team made up of specialist experts from across our business. Our friendly team is always on hand to talk with you about your challenges and requirements.

Alastair Smyth
Chief Executive Officer
Alastair joined Core Highways in 2025. He is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer and a Fellow of both institutions. He has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, with more than half of that time spent in senior leadership roles, including at Byrne Group and Murphy Group.
He has a strong track record in delivering projects in the built environment and critical infrastructure, and is passionate about using his experience and industry networks to support the continued growth of Core Highways.
Alastair studied Civil Engineering and began his career with Fluor as a graduate civil engineer. He has held senior positions across Tier One and specialist contracting organisations, leading teams to deliver major projects in the UK.
As CEO, Alastair is accountable for Core Highways’ strategy, performance, and culture, and sits on the Core Highways Board.
Outside of work, Alastair lives in the West Country with his young family and enjoys watching rugby and football whenever he gets the chance.

James Dix
Chief Financial Officer
James joins Core Highways from renewable power developer, Cambridge Power, where he was most recently CEO.
He has worked across a number of industries both in the UK and USA holding executive finance roles within FTSE 250 listed power generator, Drax plc; Stansted Airport; and global fresh produce producer, G’s Group. James has also worked for Deloitte, where he advised on corporate finance mergers and acquisitions. Throughout these roles he has a track record of delivering significant business transformation and operational improvement programmes within businesses experiencing rapid growth and change.
James is responsible for the financial health of the business, making sure we deliver to all our stakeholders. As well as holding responsibility for the finance function, he is also responsible for our IT team. James sits on the Core Highways Board.
James lives with his wife and children, is a keen cricketer and active supporter of his children’s sporting interests. He also enjoys working with anything mechanical and can often be found in his workshop.

Jason Pavey
Chief Commercial Officer
Jason joined Core Highways in 2024 from AtkinsRéalis where he was the Managing Director of Operations and Maintenance in the UK and Europe. A Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience, Jason brings a depth of knowledge of the Transport Sector and a track record of delivering growth.
Jason is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
As Chief Commercial Officer, Jason is at the forefront of our growth strategy.
Outside of work Jason enjoys travelling and once climbed the Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Canada.

Simon White
Managing Director, Major Projects & National Clients
Simon joined Core Highways in 2022. He commenced his career with Atkins, joining Skanska as part of the sale of the Atkins Highways Services business. Before joining Core Highways Simon was Strategic Development Director for Milestone.
Simon is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Highways Engineers. With over 23 years experience in the highway sector, working for Tier 1 Contractors on the strategic and local road networks, Simon has gained a deep understanding of client priorities and challenges. Simon is the Chair of the CECA Highway Maintenance Group, sits on the IHE Council and is part of National Highways Incursion and IPV Working Group. Simon is a member of the Core Highways Board.
Simon leads our portfolio of major projects nationally, as well as our key frameworks with national clients. Simon has a particular passion for the environment and leads on the decarbonisation of our services.
Away from work Simon enjoys rugby, travel and watersports.

Dan East
Regional Managing Director, Southwest & Wales
Dan has been with Core Highways since 2006, starting his journey with Amberon where he played a key role in establishing operations in Wales and later moved into national commercial and sales leadership. Over nearly two decades, Dan has contributed significantly to the company’s growth and reputation through his strong focus on partnership, customer engagement, and commercial excellence.
Dan sits on the main Board of Core Highways, having first become a Director in 2017. In his role as Regional Managing Director, Southwest & Wales, he is responsible for overseeing operational delivery, developing regional strategy, and ensuring high standards of service and safety for customers. Dan also continues to play a leading role in Core Highways’ Win Work Centre of Excellence, drawing on his deep understanding of client needs to support continued growth across the business.
Dan is passionate about supporting teams across the Southwest and Wales, and is excited to be working closely with them to achieve ambitious work-winning goals for the regions.
Outside of work, Dan can be found mountain biking, watching sports or supporting his children’s successful dance careers.

Steve Pope
Regional Managing Director, Midlands & Southeast
Steve joined Core Highways in 2025 as Regional Managing Director, with accountability for the Midlands and Southeast regions. He has been in and around the industry for nearly 25 years. Steve previously owned and successfully sold both a soft estates company and a traffic management company in 2019. Since then, he has held senior leadership roles focused on developing people, improving operational performance, and delivering for customers.
At Core Highways, Steve’s focus is on driving operational excellence and building a culture of employee and customer experience – working together to deliver real value and create an environment people enjoy being part of.
Outside of work, Steve is very family-focused, having three young daughters with his partner Charlotte. He also has a passion for sports and adventure, playing 5 & 6 a 'side football, golf, completed over 200 skydives, hiked to Everest Base Camp, and completed the Arctic Circle Trek.

Christina Scant
Group Head of Human Resources
Christina joined the Core Highways family in 2018. Previously Christina worked in operations for Stagecoach UK Bus. Christina is a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Steering Board. She Chairs the Cornerstone Employers Group for the Careers and Enterprise Companies Careers Hub in the Southwest, supporting school leavers to find valued employment in the Construction sector. Christina is passionate about supporting underrepresented groups to find career opportunities and recently enabled Core Highways to achieve Disability Confident Leader status.
Christina holds a BA (Hons) in History and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
As Group Head of HR, Christina leads our People function overseeing a complete HR team that provides professional support across the business, including internal communications, employee engagement and learning and development.
Outside of work Christina can be found with her family, travelling or walking the dog.

Dan Raffles
Commercial Director, Barrier
Dan joined our Barrier team in Summer 2006, becoming a Director in 2013. He started his career in Quality and Environmental Management at Cemex, before moving into estimating. Dan has over 15 years of experience in advising on and pricing highway vehicle restraint systems.
Dan holds a Specialist Diploma in Environmental Management.
Dan is responsible for the commercial side of the Barrier team, providing commercial and technical advice.
Outside of work, Dan can be found with his family or adventure climbing.

Let’s work together
