Dipesh Shah OBE, Chair of the government-owned National Highways, has announced he will leave his position by the end of 2023. Shah has led the organisation for three years, managing England’s critical 4,500-mile strategic road network.
Appointed in September 2020, Shah was responsible for delivering the government’s second road investment strategy and advancing key infrastructure initiatives. Although his fixed three-year term was due to end in August 2023, he has agreed to a short extension until the end of the year while the Department for Transport (DfT) begins the search for his successor.
Reflecting on his time in the role, Shah said, “I have been privileged and honoured to serve as Chair at National Highways, which plays such a pivotal role in connecting communities across England. We have achieved much during my tenure, and I am grateful to everyone involved for their support. I will continue to work with colleagues to deliver our goals during the remainder of my time as Chair.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper praised Shah’s leadership, stating, “I would like to thank Dipesh for his work as Chair of National Highways over the past 3 years. Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport have enjoyed working with Dipesh and appreciated his collaborative approach. I wish him the best of luck in his next steps.”
Since 2020, National Highways has supported up to 64,000 construction jobs and invested £27 billion into the economy through a £10.5 billion network improvement programme. Ten major projects have been completed, 23 are currently under construction, and 25 more are in development, all aimed at enhancing safety and journey reliability across the network.
The organisation is also committed to ambitious environmental and safety targets, including reducing carbon emissions to net zero and cutting road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2025.
National Highways CEO Nick Harris added, “I would like to thank Dipesh for his dedication and support during his time as Chair. His contribution has been invaluable in shaping and driving our priorities.”
Looking ahead, Dipesh Shah will continue his other Chair roles in both the public and private sectors and take on new responsibilities following his departure from National Highways.
Originally published by UKNIP.
