Sir Gareth Rhys Williams has been appointed by the transport secretary as the new National Highways chair.
Sir Gareth joins the organisation as it completes the £24bn second road investment strategy (RI2) - cut back from £27.4bn - and prepares for RIS 3.
He previously worked at the Cabinet Office and brings extensive private and public sector experience, having been the Government's chief commercial officer for the past eight years.
Transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: 'Gareth will be an excellent new chair at National Highways as we continue to deliver the government’s plan to back drivers across the country.
'As we continue to invest in improving our road network, Gareth has been clear in his commitment to help keep the country moving through the delivery of the government’s £24bn investment into roads, creating jobs and growing the economy.'
Sir Gareth Rhys Williams, said: 'I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of National Highways, such a vital component of the UK’s infrastructure; a network that we all depend on for economic growth and connecting us all every day.
'I look forward to working with Nick and his team, the board and other colleagues to help develop and then deliver the next Road Investment Strategy.'
Sir Gareth will take over from interim chair Janette Beinart who was appointed in January 2024 after serving as non-executive director since January 2019.