Highways England have appointed Nick Harris as its acting chief executive, with Harris taking up post from 1 February when Jim O’Sullivan steps down from the role.

Harris, a civil engineer with extensive experience in delivering multi-million pound infrastructure programmes, joined Highways England in 2016 and is currently executive director of operations. He is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and his career includes senior roles in water utilities across the UK and overseas.

Highways England chair Dipesh J Shah 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.”