Ex-Amazon UK boss lined up to chair Britain's competition watchdog
The Register
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Doug Gurr, former Amazon UK boss, has been appointed as the chair of Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), marking a significant move given the watchdog's ongoing investigations into major cloud providers like Microsoft and Amazon. Business Secretary Peter Kyle praised Gurr for his leadership during his interim role, noting that he aligns with the government's pro-growth agenda. Gurr, who served as Amazon UK country manager from 2016 to 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the role, but his background in tech raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially as the CMA examines market dominance in the cloud sector.
The CMA's focus on competition in the UK tech landscape is critical, particularly with its investigation into Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. The regulator has found that these companies may be leveraging their market power to harm customers. Gurr's appointment comes at a pivotal time, as he will lead the authority in addressing these issues and implementing measures to promote fair competition and protect consumers.
Gurr emphasized his commitment to supporting economic growth and enhancing competition during his tenure. His leadership could shape the future of the UK's tech industry by influencing how major corporations operate within the market. This development is crucial for businesses and consumers, as it aims to foster a more competitive environment that encourages innovation and investment in the UK.
The appointment also highlights the growing importance of regulating dominant players in the tech sector. With Gurr at the helm, the CMA is expected to take proactive steps to address market monopolies and ensure fair practices, potentially leading to significant changes in how cloud services are provided and regulated in the UK. This shift could have far-reaching implications for both tech giants and smaller competitors alike.
Overall, Doug Gurr's new role as CMA chair underscores the need for robust competition oversight in the UK's tech industry. His background in leadership roles at Amazon and his alignment with the government's economic goals position him to play a key role in shaping the future of market regulation, ensuring that businesses can thrive while consumers benefit from fairer and more competitive markets.
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Originally published on The Register on 2/23/2026