Amazon has appointed its current China boss Doug Gurr to replace Chris North as head of its UK operations, Retail Week can reveal.

A spokesman for the etail giant confirmed Gurr would take over as UK country manager next month, following a handover period with North.

Retail Week revealed last month that North was leaving Amazon after five years at the helm to join US etailer Shutterfly.

Gurr has worked for Amazon since 2011 and has been president of its China arm for two years. Prior to this he worked for Asda.

Last year, Amazon launched its Pantry service in the UK and Gurr’s appointment comes as rumours continue that the etailer is planning to follow this with the launch of its Fresh service.

A statement from the etailer said that in his new role Gurr would focus on overseeing the etailer’s 10 fulfilment centres, as well as its research and development facilities and the launch of its UK data centre, scheduled to open next year.

“Doug has a deep knowledge of Amazon’s business and is ideally placed to provide both continuity and progression in the UK as we continue to focus on providing our customers with ever better selection, value and convenience”

Xavier Garambois

Vice-president of European retail Xavier Garambois said: “Doug has a deep knowledge of Amazon’s business and is ideally placed to provide both continuity and progression in the UK as we continue to focus on providing our customers with ever better selection, value and convenience.”

Gurr said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Amazon in the UK to lead our continued investment in Britain and innovation on behalf of customers, small businesses, authors and other content creators.”

North joined Amazon in 2006 as head of books and was appointed UK managing director in 2011. During his time in charge he oversaw the launch of Amazon’s one-hour delivery service for Prime customers in three cities.

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