Nick Harris has been confirmed as the new Chief Executive of the government company which builds and operates the country’s motorways and major A-roads. 

This comes as Highways England and the Department for Transport announced that Highways England will change its name to ‘National Highways’, heralding a new era for strategic roads. 

This reflects the new focus the company has on delivering the government’s £27 billion strategic roads investment programme, while also continuing to set highways standards for the whole UK.

Harris will lead the organisation as it delivers this significant investment, and looks towards the future opportunities offered by automation and digitisation as well as delivering the government’s net zero target.

Harris joined Highways England in 2016 and has been Acting Chief Executive since February 2021. 

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. 

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.”