Will Hayter has been appointed Executive Director for Digital Markets and will take up his role on 1 February 2024. Will has been Senior Director for the Digital Markets Unit since 2021, having previously been a Director in Markets and Senior Director for Policy and International. Will brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from previous roles at the Cabinet Office, Ofcom, and UK Regulators Network. Will reports directly to the CEO and will take up his roles as a member of the Senior Executive Team and as an executive member of the CMA Board.

Chris Prevett has been appointed as permanent General Counsel having undertaken the role on an interim basis since July 2022. Chris has been with the CMA since its inception in 2014 and was previously a Senior Legal Director and Legal Director. Prior to joining the CMA, Chris was a senior lawyer in private practice at Travers Smith LLP and Slaughter and May. Chris will continue to lead the CMA’s Legal Service and the Policy and International teams. Working together with our recently appointed Deputy General Counsel, Jessica Radke, Chris advises across the CMA’s most important cases and associated litigation. He reports directly to the CEO and will continue with his roles as a member of the Senior Executive Team and advisor to the CMA Board.

Welcoming the appointments Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA said:


  I am delighted to announce appointments to the roles of Executive Director for Digital Markets and General Counsel.  Both are well-deserved and follow highly competitive open recruitment rounds.

  The appointments of Will and Chris will further strengthen our senior executive team, bringing strong leadership and oversight. This comes as we take on important new responsibilities and continue to focus on the CMA’s core purpose – in digital and other markets – to help people, businesses, and the UK economy by promoting competition and tackling unfair behaviour.


Will Hayter said:


  It’s an exciting time to be part of an organisation that is helping to shape competitive digital markets in a way that will ultimately benefit businesses and consumers alike. I look forward to taking on this leadership role and building on the hard work the CMA has done in preparing for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to take effect – and continuing to work with excellent colleagues across the organisation.


Chris Prevett said:


  I’m pleased to be taking up this role at such a crucial time for the CMA, as it prepares to take on new powers and continues to tackle competition and consumer protection issues that matter most in the UK. It’s a huge privilege to lead the fantastic group of CMA lawyers and policy professionals, and to be able to shape the evolving legal landscape through supporting the CMA’s priorities.


Notes to editors 


  The appointments were managed by a Civil Service Commissioner to ensure a fair, merit-based and open process, in keeping with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles.
  The roles were advertised publicly with applicants being asked to submit an application form and cover letter detailing their suitability for the role, as measured against a set of required skills and experience.
  For media queries, please contact the press office via press@cma.gov.uk or on 020 3738 6460.

CMA Announces New Senior Executive Appointments in Digital Markets and General Counsel Roles

The UK's CMA has announced the appointment of Will Hayter as Executive Director for Digital Markets and Chris Prevett as permanent General Counsel. Will Hayter, who has been Senior Director for the Digital Markets Unit since 2021, will bring his experience from previous roles at the Cabinet Office, Ofcom, and UK Regulators Network. Chris Prevett, who has been with the CMA since its inception in 2014, will continue to lead the CMA's Legal Service and the Policy and International teams. Both appointments were made through a fair and open recruitment process. The appointments aim to strengthen the CMA's senior executive team as it takes on new responsibilities and focuses on promoting competition and tackling unfair behavior in digital and other markets.

CMA Announces New Senior Executive Appointments in Digital Markets and General Counsel Roles

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has appointed Will Hayter as Executive Director for Digital Markets and Chris Prevett as permanent General Counsel.