A new chair has been appointed to Highways England who
will be responsible for the delivery of RIS2.
- Dipesh J Shah selected as chair following competitive
selection process
- Mr Shah brings extensive experience from senior roles in both
public and private sectors
- new chair will take over from Colin Matthews who had been in
role for 6 years
Dipesh J Shah OBE has today (21 July 2020)
been announced as Highways England’s new chair to lead the
government’s ambitious plans to level up road infrastructure
across the country.
Following a competitive selection process he will take up the
role on 1 September 2020 and will be responsible for the delivery
of the second 5 year road investment
strategy. The £27 billion strategy, known as RIS2, began in April
2020 and will further improve the safety, reliability and
connectivity of England’s strategic road network.
Mr Shah takes over from Colin Matthews who, since 2014, had led
the organisation through a period of significant change, from its
initial establishment as a government-owned company, through to
its delivery of the RIS1 programme and
subsequent plans for RIS2.
Dipesh J Shah OBE said:
I am honoured to be invited to chair Highways England, which
plays a pivotal role in connecting communities across England.
I look forward to working with colleagues to deliver the very
significant programme of improvement and expansion of the road
network in support of the government’s levelling-up agenda.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
This government is determined to build our way out of COVID-19,
providing the infrastructure, jobs and skills needed to support
our economy.
I am delighted that Dipesh Shah will be leading the Highways
England team at this crucial time, delivering major projects
that will really make a difference to communities across the
country.
I’d also like to thank Colin Matthews for seeing Highways
England through its first phase as a new company, including the
successful delivery of the first road investment strategy.
Dipesh brings extensive experience from both the public and
private sectors. Previously, he has chaired several organisations
including a listed power utility, housing association and the
European industry association for solar.
He has also served on the boards of Thames Water, Babcock
International and the Crown Estate, as well as on boards in the
infrastructure, financial services and energy sectors. Dipesh was
formerly the CEO of
the UK Atomic Energy Authority, having earlier held several
senior positions at BP.
