Highways England has announced Nick Harris will be promoted to Acting Chief Executive, taking over from Jim O’Sullivan when he steps down at the end of the month.

Harris (pictured), who’s currently the company’s Executive Director of Operations, joined the company in 2016. Highways England describes him as “a civil engineer with extensive experience in delivering multi-million pound infrastructure programmes”.

Since joining Highways England in 2016, he has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of the HE’s network, including traffic officers.

Mr Harris’ role will in turn be backfilled by Duncan Smith, who will be Acting Executive Director – Operations. He is currently Transformation Director – Operations and has a background in large asset and operational businesses. 

HE’s 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.”

Nick Harris added, “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.”

(Picture – Highways England)