Nick Harris, chief executive of National Highways, has announced he will leave the role after five years leading the government-owned company responsible for England’s strategic road network.
Harris will remain in post during a short transition period while the board confirms interim leadership arrangements. Recruitment for a permanent successor will begin in the spring.
“Serving as chief executive of National Highways has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” says Harris. “As we approach the start of the next five-year Road Investment Strategy, this is the right moment for me to hand over to new leadership who will guide the organisation into its next chapter.
“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. National Highways is in great shape, with exceptional people and a clear vision for what comes next.”
Transformation and Lower Thames Crossing approval
During Harris’s tenure, National Highways has transformed its operations, improved safety and performance, and invested in digital capability. The organisation also helped secure approval for the Lower Thames Crossing project.
Gareth Rhys Williams, chair of National Highways, says: “Nick has led the organisation through an important period of change and achievement, through the pandemic amongst other challenges. We thank him for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to building an organisation well set to rise to an ambitious and stretching set of new targets and outcomes embedded in RIS3 and the recently announced Safety Strategy.”
Transport secretary responds
Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, says: “I want to recognise Nick Harris’s contribution to National Highways over the past five years. My Department will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to new executive leadership, as we continue our joint work to improve and maintain our major road network.”
A rapid recruitment process will begin shortly for an interim chief executive, after which Harris will leave National Highways.
