Highways England will change its name to National Highways, as the operator of England’s motorways and major A roads appoints Nick Harris as its new chief executive.
The Department for Transport said the renaming of the organisation “heralded a new era for strategic roads”, as it oversees delivery of the government’s £27bn roads investment programme
Harris is expected to lead National Highways through a series of changes, including increased automation and digitisation, as well as delivering the government’s net zero target.
He joined Highways England in 2016, having previously worked at water companies including Thames Water, and has been acting chief executive of Highways England since February 2021.
Highways England chair Dipesh Shah said: “I am delighted to appoint Nick as our CEO. Now, more than ever, our infrastructure schemes have an important and perhaps unique role to play in helping our economy to recover.
“He will have a particular focus on continued road safety improvements and the transformation of National Highways as a global leader in road building and maintenance, as well as delivering world class health and safety. His permanent appointment is the conclusion of a broad and rigorous recruitment process.”
Harris said: “I am pleased to be taking up the reins at such an exciting time. We have achieved a great deal and there is still more to be done. As we deliver the second roads investment strategy ensuring the safety of all road users, the delivery of our work and the benefits to our customers remains at the centre of our organisation.”
