Nick Harris has announced his decision to step down as Chief Executive of National Highways after five years in the role.

Harris will remain in post for a short transition period while the organisation’s board confirms interim leadership arrangements. Recruitment for a permanent successor is expected to begin in the spring.

Reflecting on his departure, Harris said: "Serving as Chief Executive of National Highways has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. 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.

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"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."

Gareth Rhys Williams, Chair of National Highways, paid tribute to Harris’s leadership during a period of significant change for the organisation. He said: "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."

During Harris's tenure, National Highways has advanced its mission to connect the country, while transforming operations, improving safety and performance, and investing in digital capability. The organisation has also recently helped secure approval for the transformational Lower Thames Crossing project, marking a major milestone for the UK's strategic road network.