CMA adds ex-Amazon UK boss to board as provisional judgement in cloud probe nears

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced the appointment of Doug Gurr, former Amazon UK boss, as the interim chair of its board. This comes as the deadline for the CMA to publish the provisional findings from its investigation into the UK cloud market approaches.

Gurr will be taking over from Marcus Bokkerink, the current CMA chair, who has been in the position since 2022. The reasons for Bokkerink’s early resignation are unclear, but it coincides with the UK government’s push for regulators to adopt a more pro-growth approach.

The appointment of Gurr follows a meeting between business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and leading regulators, where they were urged to focus on promoting growth and removing barriers hindering businesses. Reynolds stated that the government aims to boost growth and prosperity by making pro-business decisions.

Gurr, who currently serves as the director of the National History Museum, expressed his honor at being asked to chair the CMA during this critical time. He emphasized the importance of delivering business investment and economic growth while ensuring effective competition and consumer protection.

As Gurr takes on his new role, the CMA is preparing to release the provisional outcome of its investigation into the cloud infrastructure services market. This includes examining potential anti-competitive practices by Amazon’s cloud arm.

Despite Gurr’s appointment, the team overseeing the cloud market probe operates independently from the CMA board. In response to the news, Nicky Stewart from the Open Cloud Coalition emphasized the need for the regulator to remain committed to creating a competitive cloud market.

Stewart highlighted the importance of ensuring a level playing field in the cloud industry to drive innovation and investment. The Open Cloud Coalition urges the regulator to take decisive action to benefit businesses, consumers, and the digital economy.

When contacted for a statement regarding potential conflict of interest accusations, the CMA did not provide a public comment.