Ex-Amazon boss Doug Gurr set to become permanent CMA chair

"The government has named former Amazon executive Doug Gurr as its preferred candidate to become permanent chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), cementing a leadership change designed to align the regulator more closely with its pro-growth agenda. Peter Kyle confirmed that Gurr, who has held the role on an interim basis since January last year, will be put forward for a full five-year term, subject to a non-binding hearing by the Commons business and trade select committee."

"Gurr, 61, replaced Marcus Bokkerink after the latter was removed amid pressure from the government to ensure regulators support economic growth and international investment. At the time, Rachel Reeves said the CMA needed leadership that shared the government's "mission". Kyle said that over the past year Gurr had worked with CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell to improve the pace and predictability of merger investigations and to make the process more proportionate."

"City sources said the move was widely expected, noting Gurr's background in both corporate and public sector leadership. A former McKinsey partner, he served as Amazon's UK country manager until 2020 and is currently director of the Natural History Museum and chairman of the Alan Turing Institute. The appointment comes as the government consults on reforms aimed at speeding up merger clearances and overhauling the CMA's decision-making structure."

Doug Gurr has been named the government's preferred candidate to become permanent chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority, after serving as interim since January. The appointment is subject to a non-binding Commons business and trade select committee hearing. Gurr replaced Marcus Bokkerink following government pressure for regulators to support economic growth and international investment. He worked with CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell to speed up and make merger investigations more predictable and proportionate. Gurr's background includes a McKinsey partnership, serving as Amazon's UK country manager until 2020, and roles at the Natural History Museum and the Alan Turing Institute. The government is consulting on reforms to speed merger clearances and alter the CMA's decision-making, with supporters citing greater certainty for businesses and critics warning of increased political influence.

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