Former Amazon Executive Doug Gurr Formally Takes Helm of UK Competition Watchdog CMA

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority reviews corporate mergers, tackles anti-competitive conduct and oversees major technology platforms under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The appointment of Doug Gurr, a former head of Amazon’s UK business, as chair underscores Britain’s effort to balance technology investment and economic growth with market competition.

The CMA formally appointed Gurr as its permanent chair in July 2026. During his previous stint as interim chair, he pushed to shorten and streamline merger investigations. The appointment involved no transaction value. Gurr will lead enforcement of the digital markets regime and oversee the competitive conduct of major technology companies, including Amazon.