Business secretary Peter Kyle has selected Doug Gurr, a former Amazon country manager, as his preferred candidate to lead the Competition and Markets Authority permanently following a year-long tenure in an interim capacity aimed at refocusing the regulator on economic growth.
Gurr took the helm on an interim basis in January 2025 after the government signalled it wanted the CMA and other regulators to prioritise growth-friendly policies. He replaced Marcus Bokkerink following disputes over the watchdog’s strategic direction.
The appointment, subject to a parliamentary hearing before the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday, will see Gurr oversee the authority for five years. Kyle said the interim chair had played a key role in delivering the government’s pro-growth agenda. “I look forward to Doug leading the delivery of the CMA’s three-year strategy to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity,” he said.
During his interim period, Gurr worked with Chief Executive Sarah Cardell to overhaul the CMA’s approach to merger reviews. The regulator has faced criticism that its processes were hampering business investment in the UK, prompting reforms to improve pace and predictability in investigations.
Last month, the Department for Business and Trade launched a consultation on further measures to streamline the competition regime. Proposals include shorter review times and greater certainty about which mergers will face scrutiny.
Gurr led Amazon’s UK operations until 2020, when he left the retail technology giant to become a director of the Natural History Museum. His background spans technology entrepreneurship and senior leadership roles across business, public, and charitable sectors.
“The government have been clear in their commitment to delivering economic growth and improving household prosperity,” Gurr said on Monday. “I have enjoyed my time at the CMA and can see a clear contribution we can make here through promoting competition and protecting consumers.”
The CMA’s reforms come as the government seeks to position the UK as an attractive destination for business growth and investment. Recent GDP figures showed Britain was the fastest-growing economy in Europe, which ministers attributed to measures cutting living costs and creating conditions for expansion.
Pre-appointment hearings are non-binding, but Kyle will consider the committee’s assessment before finalising the appointment. The hearings enable MPs to scrutinise candidates for major public roles and publish their views on suitability.
