Nick Harris is the new full-time leader of the government company which builds and operates the country’s motorways and major A-roads.

Harris has been acting chief executive since taking over from Jim O’Sullivan in February.

Highways England will also now be known as ‘National Highways’ which “reflects the new focus the company has on delivering the government’s £27bn strategic roads investment programme, while also continuing to set highways standards for the whole UK.”

The last rebranding of the company was from the Highways Agency to Highways England in 2015.

Highways England Chair, Dipesh J Shah said: “Nick’s steady hand throughout the last few months has established a solid foundation to help us on our journey to transform how we work with our supply chain, how we deliver our net zero carbon and how we realise our digitalisation ambitions.”

Harris said: “I am pleased to be taking up the reins at such an exciting time. We have achieved a great deal and there is still more to be done.

“As we deliver the second roads investment strategy ensuring the safety of all road users, the delivery of our work and the benefits to our customers remains at the centre of our organisation.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: “Nick will be an excellent CEO and I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with him as we build back better across the country.

“Nick will steer Highways England into an exciting new chapter, as it evolves into National Highways and delivers on our £27bn plan to improve our roads and make journeys safer, smoother and greener.”