12 new independent members of the Competition and Markets
Authority (CMA)'s panel have been appointed by the Department for
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST).
The panel currently consists of 22 members who are appointed for
up to 8 years and act as independent decision makers in some of
the CMA's work including phase 2 market investigations, merger
inquiries and regulatory appeals.
The appointments will take effect in September and October 2026
and bring together extensive experience across business,
academia, economics, finance and technology.
Appointments starting 1 September 2026
- Shamshad Ali is a chartered accountant and experienced
finance and strategy professional with board roles, including at
the University of Reading and ICAEW.
- Vicky Boiten-Lee is an experienced energy and retail
executive with expertise in pricing, distribution, strategy and
M&A.
- Martina Garcia is a financial services expert and economist
with senior experience at the London Stock Exchange Group and HM
Treasury.
- Patrick Bartlett is a chartered accountant with more than 35
years' experience in finance and audit, including senior
financial and board roles.
- Aodhan O'Donnell is a consumer protection, regulation and
market analysis expert with extensive experience across regulated
sectors and digital markets.
- Professor Helen Simpson teaches economics at the University
of Bristol, specialising in productivity, innovation, foreign
direct investment and place-based policies.
Appointments starting 1 October 2026
- Michael Bender is an experienced global business consultant
with a background in management, leadership and technology.
- Dr Sarah Deasley is an economist with more than 35 years'
experience advising governments, regulators, businesses and
investors on competition, regulation and infrastructure.
- Professor Ioannis Kokkoris teaches competition law and
economics at Queen Mary University of London, with extensive
experience in competition law, policy and enforcement.
- Stephen Unger is a former Ofcom executive board member with
extensive experience in technology, telecommunications and
regulation.
- Frances Warburton brings regulatory and competition expertise
with more than 30 years' experience across the public and private
sectors, including senior roles at the OFT and Ofgem.
- Patricia Treacy is a competition and intellectual property
lawyer and former partner at Bristows LLP, with extensive legal
and judicial experience.
Notes to editors
- Members are appointed to the CMA panel by the Secretary of
State for Business for up to 8 years. They are appointed through
open competition for their experience, ability and diversity of
skills in competition, economics, law, finance and business.
- Biographies of the new panel members are available online.
