National Highways has announced its chief executive, Nick Harris, is to step down after five years in the role.

Harris will remain in post during a short transition period while the board confirms interim leadership arrangements. Recruitment for a permanent successor will begin in the spring.

National Highways is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s motorways and major A-roads, known as the Strategic Road Network (SRN).

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.

“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, added: “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 (road investment strategy) and the recently announced Safety Strategy.”

During Harris’ tenure National Highways has made significant progress on its purpose, connecting the country, while transforming operations, improving safety and performance, investing in digital capability and most recently helping secure approval for the transformational Lower Thames Crossing project.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander added: “I want to recognise Nick Harris’s contribution to National Highways over the past five years. My department will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to new executive leadership, as we continue our joint work to improve and maintain our major road network.”

Harris will continue to work with the board and executive team to ensure a smooth transition. A rapid recruitment process will begin shortly for an interim CEO, after which Harris will leave National Highways.