Former Amazon UK country manager and president of Amazon China, Doug Gurr, has been appointed as interim chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).   

In its announcement of the appointment, the UK Government leaned into Gurr’s previous experience in the tech sector, saying that the new leadership will ‘boost growth and support the economy’.   

The Government said that Gurr was offered the job following a meeting between leading regulatory bodies in the UK, along with the Chancellor and UK business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds.

The CMA is one of seventeen regulators that had been ordered to put forward ideas that could ease the burden on businesses and spur economic growth, with the Government asking them to ‘tear down’ the barriers to business growth across the country.

Gurr, who also serves as the chairman of the Alan Turing Institute, takes on the role following the tenure of Marcus Bokkerink, with Government sources telling the BBC the outgoing chair had been ousted in an attempt to send a signal that the UK is serious about promoting economic growth, as well as shake up the leadership of the CMA.

Bokkerink’s early departure from the regulator comes following a major deal between Vodafone and Three Mobile, which had been delayed by the CMA, as well as challenges aimed at Apple and Google. With the watchdog set to launch multiple investigations into digital markets competition this year, the appointment of a previous Big Tech leader is an indication of the Government’s evolving approach. 

“This Government has a clear Plan for Change – to boost growth for businesses and communities across the UK,” said Reynolds.

“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.

“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.”

In his speech at the recent International Investment Summit, the prime minister set out the Labour’s vision for market regulation, making it the Government’s mission that every regulator in the UK focuses on growth.     

To that end, in an attempt to refocus the competition watchdog’s remit, the Government said it will soon begin consulting on a new growth-focused Strategic Steer for the CMA, to be delivered under the permanent chair once they have been recruited.

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Having joined Amazon’s UK team in 2011 as VP of the company’s ‘hardlines’ division – which focused on products such as gardening and toys – Gurr transitioned to country manager for Amazon China in 2014, before heading up UK operations in 2016, and ultimately leaving the business in 2020. 

“I am honoured to be asked to Chair the CMA at this crucial time,” said Gurr. “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.”