The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has appointed 12 new independent members to its inquiry panel, aimed at enhancing its expertise in regulatory matters. The new appointees, who have extensive backgrounds in business, economics, and law, will begin their terms in September and October 2026, replacing members whose terms are expiring.

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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA, the UK authority responsible for promoting competition and protecting consumers, has announced the appointment of 12 new independent members to its inquiry panel, as stated in a press release. This move is intended to bolster the CMA’s capacity to conduct independent investigations and market inquiries.

The new panel members, who will officially take their positions in September and October 2026, bring experience from various sectors including business, academia, and law. The CMA inquiry panel currently includes 22 members who serve for up to 8 years and are responsible for overseeing significant inquiries and appeals related to market regulations.

Among the appointees is Shamshad Ali, a lecturer in Finance at the University of Reading, Prof. Helen Simpson, an economics lecturer at Bristol, Dr. Sarah Deasley, a prominent economist, Prof. Ioannis Kokkoris, a law and economics professor at Queen Mary Univeristy of London, and multiple professionals with regulatory and private sector experience.

The full list of appointees is:

Appointments starting 1 September 2026

1. Shamshad Ali is a chartered accountant and experienced finance and strategy professional with board roles, including at the University of Reading and ICAEW.
2. Vicky Boiten-Lee is an experienced energy and retail executive with expertise in pricing, distribution, strategy and M&A.
3. Martina Garcia is a financial services expert and economist with senior experience at the London Stock Exchange Group and HM Treasury.
4. Patrick Bartlett is a chartered accountant with more than 35 years’ experience in finance and audit, including senior financial and board roles.
5. Aodhan O’Donnell is a consumer protection, regulation and market analysis expert with extensive experience across regulated sectors and digital markets.
6. 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

1. Michael Bender is an experienced global business consultant with a background in management, leadership and technology.
2. Dr Sarah Deasley is an economist with more than 35 years’ experience advising governments, regulators, businesses and investors on competition, regulation and infrastructure.
3. Professor Ioannis Kokkoris teaches competition law and economics at Queen Mary University of London, with extensive experience in competition law, policy and enforcement.
4. Stephen Unger is a former Ofcom executive board member with extensive experience in technology, telecommunications and regulation.
5. 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.
6. Patricia Treacy is a competition and intellectual property lawyer and former partner at Bristows LLP, with extensive legal and judicial experience.

More details about the new members and their bios can be accessed on the CMA's official website.

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