Former Amazon UK boss Doug Gurr has been given the nod to stay on at the CMA as its permanent chairman and help “deliver the government’s pro-growth agenda”.
Acting as interim chair since January 2025, Gurr had been appointed to push the markets watchdog into becoming a faster, lighter-touch organisation that could speed up major deals.
Ministers made clear at the time that the CMA needed to better support the government’s growth agenda, and Gurr subsequently led a strategic review of the CMA’s legacy remedies and processes.
The review has led the government to launch public consultations on the way the watchdog reaches decisions on mergers, with its proposed measures due to increase the CMA board’s involvement and cut independent panels’ role in deciding whether deals go ahead.
Recommending Gurr as the government’s candidate of choice, business & trade secretary Peter Kyle said he looked forward to Gurr leading the CMA’s three-year strategy “to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity”.
Gurr’s tenure has already seen the timely completion of Greencore’s mega-merger with Bakkavor, and the watchdog is currently considering Allied Bakeries’ acquisition of Hovis.
Gurr’s permanent appointment “signals clear continuity” with government priorities, according to RPC partner and competition lawyer Tom McQuail.
He said that Gurr’s review had “sharpened” the CMA’s focus on proportionality and economic growth, with his tech background – Gurr was head of Amazon UK from 2016 to 2020 – likewise a bonus given the CMA’s expanding digital remit.
New direct consumer enforcement powers for the CMA came into force in 2025 under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which for the first time allowed the CMA to decide whether consumer laws had been broken instead of taking the case to court. The act also prohibited fake consumer reviews and ‘drip pricing’ of unavoidable fees.
“Gurr’s confirmation points to strong alignment with CEO Sarah Cardell and sustained government backing,” added McQuail.
“Bringing in an external candidate would have risked shifting policy direction or losing momentum; instead, ministers appear to be confident that the CMA is evolving as intended and see no reason to change course.”
Gurr said: “The government have been clear in their commitment to delivering economic growth and improving household prosperity.
“I have enjoyed my time at the CMA and can see a clear contribution we can make here through promoting competition and protecting consumers. It would be both a pleasure and a privilege to continue this important work.”
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