Nick Harris named Highways England acting chief executive

Nick Harris has been appointed as Highways England’s acting chief executive, taking over from Jim O’Sullivan, when he steps down from the role.

O’Sullivan, who was appointed in 2015, announced he would be stepping down in August. Harris, who is currently the company’s executive director of operations, will assume the role from February 1.

He joined Highways England in 2016 and is a civil engineer with extensive experience in delivering multi-million pound infrastructure programmes.

Since joining Highways England, he has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of the network.

In this role, he has overseen changes to the company’s supply chain and introduced new ways of working to improve the quality of service to road users and local communities.

Highways England chair, Dipesh J Shah OBE, said: “I am pleased Nick has agreed to act as chief executive. I’m confident he’ll build on the work we have all done since 2015 to make Highways England the successful organisation it is today.

“I’d like to thank Jim O’Sullivan for all he has achieved at Highways England. Since he joined the company in 2015, he has been instrumental in so many positive things.

“He leaves behind a reputation for delivery that is on time and on budget as well as improvements in the culture of customer service and safety that runs through everything we do.”

Harris said: “Our road network has always played a vital role in connecting the country and boosting the economy, and now even more so.

“I’m delighted to be taking over, as we move into the second year of our second roads programme.”