National Highways chief executive Nick Harris has announced he is stepping down.
He will remain in post during a short transition phase, though no fixed end date has been confirmed.
The board will appoint an interim chief executive while recruitment for a permanent successor begins in the spring.
In a statement today (29 January), Harris it was the “right moment” to hand over leadership of the government-owned company responsible for operating and maintaining England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads.
He added: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together over the last five years – delivering safer, greener, more reliable roads; strengthening our relationships with partners; and modernising the organisation for the future.”
Harris was appointed as chief executive in February 2021, having previously served as executive director of operations since 2016. His CV also includes senior roles in UK and international water utilities.
Under his leadership, National Highways secured development consent for the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing and launched a new Safety Strategy.
He also oversaw the organisation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and advanced its digital transformation programme, National Highways said.
The organisation’s chair Gareth Rhys Williams said Harris had guided National Highways “through an important period of change and achievement” and helped it prepare for new targets set out in the five-year Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), which outlines priorities for £25bn of spending.
RIS3 is scheduled to begin on 1 April.
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Ben Vogel