A former UK boss at Amazon has been named interim chair of the Competition and Markets Authority.
Marcus Bokkerink, who has served as chair of the CMA since 2022, has resigned from the position and will soon take up a new leadership role which will see him ‘continue to make a contribution to public life’.
Doug Gurr, currently the director of the Natural History Museum and a former country manager of Amazon UK and president of Amazon China, will lead the CMA on an interim basis as it refocuses its priorities towards growth at the request of the government.
The Department for Business and Trade will outline the process for appointing a permanent successor in the coming weeks.
The development follows a meeting of the country’s leading regulators with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The government has asked them for help with ‘tearing down the barriers hindering business and refocusing their efforts on promoting growth’.
“The CMA plays a vital role in supporting consumers across the UK, and I want to thank Marcus Bokkerink for his leadership of the board since 2022,” said Reynolds.
“I’m pleased to welcome Doug as interim chair who will oversee the CMA while we recruit for a permanent position, supporting the leadership of CEO Sarah Cardell.
“This government has a clear Plan for Change – to boost growth for businesses and communities across the UK. As we’ve set out, we want to see regulators including the CMA supercharging the economy with pro-business decisions that will drive prosperity and growth, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
Gurr added: “I am honoured to be asked to chair the CMA at this crucial time. I look forward to working with the strong leadership team to help deliver business investment and economic growth in a framework of effective competition and consumer protection.
“As set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, the government will shortly be consulting on a new growth-focused strategic steer to the CMA.
“The Prime Minister set out in his speech at the International Investment Summit, this government will make sure that every regulator in the UK focuses on growth.”