A former Amazon executive will lead Britain’s antitrust agency

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (MCA), a watchdog that has repeatedly investigated Amazon’s business dealings, will now be run by a former Amazon executive Doug Gurr. – that makes sense, right? Gurr will serve as interim chairman “in an effort to stimulate growth and support the economy.” The decision comes alongside reports that the UK government has removed former chairman Markus Boekerink, whose resignation was announced at the same time.

Secretary of State for Business and Commerce Jonathan Reynolds explained the appointment in a statement. “This Government has a clear plan for change – to drive growth for businesses and communities across the UK. As we have set out, we want to see regulators, including the CMA, fueling the economy with pro-business solutions that will drive prosperity and growth, putting more money in people’s pockets.”

The CMA is responsible for investigating any potential breaches of antitrust regulations, reviewing mergers and protecting consumers from any unfair commercial practices. He has taken action against Amazon on multiple occasions, including during Gur’s tenure there. The CMA recently audited Amazon for no protecting customers from fake reviews and whether Amazon favors its own brands over third-party products in its marketplace—the latter permitted by agreed changes from the tech giant. Last year, the CMA looked at Amazon $4 billion investment in Anthropicdeciding that it did not qualify as a merger. The The CMA is currently investigating Google for antitrust practices with respect to its search services.

Gur joined Amazon in 2011as president of Amazon China since 2014. until 2016 and finally as Country Manager of Amazon UK until he left the company in 2020. Most recently he was Director of the Natural History Museum in London.