Nick was originally appointed for a 3-year term in July 2021. He has been reappointed for a further 3-year term and will continue to play a vital role in the effective strategic and operational leadership of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Helen Aston has also been appointed as Non-Executive Director and chair of DVSA's audit and risk committee. Helen took up her post on 1 February 2024 following the departure of Emir Feisal.
Helen is a Chartered Accountant and brings a wealth of leadership experience, with 10 years as the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at The Pensions Regulator. She also holds non-executive roles at Defence Business Services and the Valuation Office Agency.
Guy Opperman, Roads Minister, said:
I would like to congratulate Nick and Helen on their appointments, and would also like to thank Emir for his dedication and work with the DVSA.
Like this government, Nick and Helen are clear in their commitment to back drivers and keep the country moving and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure the DVSA continues its great work in backing drivers and keeping Britain's roads safe.
Nick Bitel said:
I'm delighted to be re-appointed as DVSA's Chair and welcome Helen Aston as a new non-executive director.
Over the last 3 years, we have faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic, and I am proud of the hard work, drive and commitment shown by colleagues and senior leaders across DVSA.
I look forward to working with Helen to help achieve DVSA's vision to keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. I also want to express my gratitude to Emir Feisal for his sterling work in steering our audit and risk committee.
Helen Aston said:
I'm very happy delighted to have been appointed to DVSA's board and also chair of the audit and risk assurance committee.
I'm looking forward to working with Nick, the other non-executive directors and Loveday Ryder and her team to keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably and work towards achieving the vision to 2030.
Loveday Ryder, DVSA Chief Executive, said:
On behalf of the DVSA board, I'm delighted that Nick has been re-appointed as our Chair for another 3 years.
Nick has played a pivotal role in DVSA's work to recover our services following the pandemic and develop a vision and strategic plan for the future.
I'm also really pleased to welcome Helen as our new Non-Executive Director and thank our departing Non-Executive Director, Emir Feisal, for his contribution in leading the work of DVSA's audit and risk committee.
