Doug Gurr to leave Amazon for role at Natural History Museum

Gurr took over as UK country manager for Amazon in April 2016, joining from the retailer’s China arm that he had run for two years. He joined the company in 2011, having previously worked for Asda.

In a diverse career, Gurr has taught mathematics and computing at Aarhus University in Denmark, held senior roles in government, worked as a partner for consultancy firm McKinsey and was the chief executive of internet start-up business Blueheath.

He has also been heavily involved in charity and non-profit work, having been chair of the Science Museum board between 2010 and 2014. He is currently chair of the British Heart Foundation, sits on the boards of the National Gallery and Landmark Trust and is a non-executive director of the Land Registry.

He holds two mathematics degrees from Cambridge University and a PhD in computing for Edinburgh University.

Gurr is set to take up his new role as director of the Natural History Museum later this year, replacing Sir Michael Dixon.

Gurr said: “The Natural History Museum’s vision of a future where people and planet thrive has never been more relevant and it is a privilege to be invited to lead this globally important cultural and scientific institution.

“I am passionate about the work the museum is doing to tackle the planetary emergency by using its unrivalled collection and leading scientific research to connect millions of people a year with nature. I can’t wait to join the team.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We thank Doug for more than eight successful years at Amazon and for his leadership of the UK business in the last four. Doug will be missed at Amazon but as someone who has always been passionate about culture, science and learning, we’re delighted for him that he’ll be leading one of the UK’s great cultural and scientific institutions. Doug will remain in his role at Amazon until later this year, and a new UK country manager will be announced in due course.”