Chair of Competition Commission announced
June 22, 2011 2:56 PM
Business Secretary Vince Cable has today announced the appointment of Roger Witcomb as Chair of the Competition Commission (CC) on an interim basis for a term of two years. Mr Witcomb will succeed current Chair Peter Freeman, whose term ends on 6 May 2011.
Mr Witcomb will be the Chair during the Government's consultation on its proposals to merge the CC with the competition functions of the Office for Fair Trading (OFT). This consultation forms part of the Government's plan to stimulate growth by allowing the market to be dynamic and competitive, while strengthening and streamlining the competition regime.
He has been a member of the Competition Commission Board since 2009 and a Deputy Chair since January 2011
Vince Cable said:
"I am delighted that Roger has agreed to Chair the Competition Commission through this time of uncertainty. I am confident that Roger's experience will mean the organisation continues to maintain its high standards as we consult on possible changes to the Competition Regime."
Mr Witcomb said:
"Peter Freeman has done a superb job as Chairman and I am honoured to be taking over from him at a time of such great change for the Commission. The Government's intention to reform the UK competition regime offers a real opportunity to make an excellent regime even better. But, exciting though that is, we shall not be distracted from our core duty to carry out high quality, independent and transparent investigations."
