Doug Gurr named as preferred candidate for permanent CMA chair
By Josh White
Date: Monday 23 Feb 2026
(Sharecast News) - Doug Gurr was named the preferred candidate to continue as chair of the Competition and Markets Authority for a full five-year term on Monday, subject to a parliamentary pre-appointment hearing.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle announced Gurr as his chosen candidate following an open competition.
Gurr had served as interim chair since January last year, and worked alongside chief executive Sarah Cardell during a period of reform aimed at boosting business confidence and predictability in support of the government's Industrial Strategy.
"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," Kyle said.
"I look forward to Doug leading the delivery of the CMA's three-year strategy to drive economic growth and improve household prosperity."
Over the last year, the CMA said it had implemented changes intended to improve the pace, predictability and proportionality of its merger investigations.
The reforms formed part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK's competition regime and underpin economic growth.
"The government have been clear in their commitment to delivering economic growth and improving household prosperity," Gurr commented.
"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."
The Department for Business and Trade recently launched a consultation on further measures to improve the UK competition framework, including proposals to streamline review times, provide greater certainty on when mergers would be investigated and strengthen consumer protection powers.
The Business and Trade Secretary had invited the Commons Business and Trade Committee to hold a pre-appointment hearing and report on Gurr's suitability.
While such hearings are non-binding, the CMA said ministers would consider the committee's views before confirming the appointment.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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