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UK Nominates Doug Gurr to Lead Competition Watchdog for Full Term

By  |  February 23, 2026
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Britain’s business minister Peter Kyle has selected former Amazon executive Doug Gurr to continue as chair of the country’s antitrust regulator, according to Reuters, citing a government statement released on Monday.

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    Gurr has been serving as interim chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) since last year, when the government signaled it wanted regulators to place greater emphasis on supporting economic growth. Per Reuters, the formal appointment would see Gurr lead the watchdog for a five-year term, subject to approval following a parliamentary hearing before the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday.

    Kyle credited Gurr with advancing the government’s pro-growth objectives during his interim tenure. “I look forward to Doug leading the delivery of the CMA’s three-year strategy to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity,” Kyle said.

    During his time as interim chair, Gurr worked alongside Chief Executive Sarah Cardell to revamp the CMA’s handling of merger reviews. The regulator has faced criticism from some business groups who argued that lengthy and unpredictable investigations were discouraging investment in the UK. According to Reuters, reforms have been introduced to make merger assessments faster and more transparent, with the aim of improving confidence among investors.

    Further changes could be on the way. Per Reuters, the Department for Business and Trade launched a consultation last month on additional steps to modernize the competition framework. The proposals under consideration include shortening review timelines and offering clearer guidance on which deals are likely to attract scrutiny.

    Before joining the CMA, Gurr led Amazon’s UK operations until 2020. He later became a director of the Natural History Museum. His career includes experience in technology entrepreneurship as well as senior roles spanning business, public service and the charitable sector.

    “The government have been clear in their commitment to delivering economic growth and improving household prosperity,” Gurr said on Monday. “I have enjoyed my time at the CMA and can see a clear contribution we can make here through promoting competition and protecting consumers.”

    The move comes as the government works to present Britain as an appealing environment for business expansion and investment. Recent data showed the UK posting the fastest growth rate among European economies, a performance ministers have attributed to policies aimed at reducing living costs and fostering conditions conducive to growth, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters