Business secretary names Doug Gurr as preferred CMA chair

Business secretary Peter Kyle has announced Doug Gurr as the preferred candidate to serve a five-year term as chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Gurr has served as interim chair of the CMA since January 2025. His permanent appointment follows an open competition for the role.

The business and trade secretary has invited the Commons Business and Trade Committee to hold a pre-appointment hearing. The committee will report on the suitability of Gurr for the post.

Gurr previously worked as a tech entrepreneur and held leadership roles in the public and third sectors. He has worked with chief executive Sarah Cardell to manage merger investigations.

The CMA is the UK competition and consumer agency. It aims to promote competition to support the economy and priority sectors within the government industrial strategy.

Last month, the Department for Business and Trade launched a consultation into the UK competition regime. The proposals include streamlining review times and increasing consumer protection powers.

Recent GDP figures indicate the UK is the fastest-growing economy in Europe. The government stated this growth is due to its economic plan to reduce the national debt.

Kyle said: “Under Doug Gurr’s leadership as Interim Chair, the CMA is playing a key role in delivering the government’s pro-growth agenda, ensuring the UK is a place where businesses can grow and invest with confidence.

“I look forward to Doug leading the delivery of the CMA’s three-year strategy to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity.”

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.”