Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum and former Amazon executive, has been named interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Gurr steps into the role following Marcus Bokkerink’s resignation, as the UK government intensifies its push for growth under its “Plan for Change.”
Gurr brings extensive experience from his tenure as Country Manager of Amazon UK and President of Amazon China, alongside his leadership of one of the world’s most renowned museums. His appointment underscores the CMA’s dual mission to support pro-business growth while safeguarding competition and consumer protection.
“I am honoured to Chair the CMA at this crucial time,” said Gurr. “I look forward to working with the leadership team to deliver business investment and economic growth within a framework of effective competition and consumer protection.”
The CMA, under Gurr’s interim leadership and CEO Sarah Cardell, is expected to focus on aligning its work with government objectives to stimulate economic growth. This follows a recent meeting between regulators, the Business Secretary, and the Chancellor aimed at dismantling barriers to business and promoting investment.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds praised outgoing Chair Marcus Bokkerink for his leadership since 2022, particularly during a period of heightened cost-of-living pressures. “Marcus has strengthened the CMA’s governance and strategy, delivering new levels of impact and transparency,” Reynolds said.
The government has announced plans to launch a recruitment process for a permanent CMA Chair in the coming weeks.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/former-amazon-boss-named-interim-chair-of-cma
