The Competitions and Markets Authority has named former Amazon boss its interim chair

Doug Gurr will take on the new role from today (January 21), replacing Marcus Bokkerink who has chaired the CMA since 2022.

Bokkerink was ousted by government ministers who believed the CMA had failed to convince them that it was adequately focused on growth.

In a statement, he warned against competition authorities becoming “vulnerable to short-term expediency or vested interests”.

He defended his approach at the CMA, saying it was designed to promote growth through fair competition and choice with “businesses large and small being free to compete, innovate and have a fair shot at succeeding based on merit… on a level playing field”.

Gurr has been appointed as interim chair, and brings experience in the technology sector thanks to his previous role as country manager of Amazon UK and president of Amazon China. He is also currently the director of the Natural History Museum.

The hire arrives after the country’s leading regulators met with the business secretary and the chancellor, who were asked to remove barriers affecting businesses and to focus on promoting growth.

The process for appointing a new permanent chair for the CMA will be underway in the coming weeks.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “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.  

“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.”

The secretary of state for business and trade accepted the resignation of Bokkerink and expressed his gratitude for his leadership of since 2022.