Currently a Director at strategic regulatory advisory firm Fingleton, Joel Bamford rejoins the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) having previously been Senior Director for Mergers until early 2022. He will be a member of the Senior Executive Team and, subject to appointment by the Secretary of State, will be an executive member of the CMA Board. It is anticipated Joel will take up his role in early 2024.  

Sarah Cardell, CMA Chief Executive said:


  As we look to ensure that the future operation of UK merger control is as effective as possible, I’m delighted that Joel will be taking up this important new role. Joel brings deep knowledge of the CMA and the UK merger control regime complemented by an important external perspective provided by the valuable experience he has gained at Fingleton. His expertise will further strengthen the CMA’s merger function and help ensure we deliver a smooth, efficient and robust merger control regime that benefits consumers, businesses and the UK economy.


Joel Bamford said:


  I am thrilled to be joining the CMA as Executive Director and taking on responsibility for the mergers function. 

  Post-Brexit UK merger control has taken centre stage across the world and the CMA has demonstrated it is a strong independent regulator. I look forward to working with the great team at the CMA to continue to improve and enhance its approach to merger enforcement and deliver results which drive competition and protect UK consumers.

  I am excited to bring my expertise and skills to the CMA’s senior leadership team and Board, especially as the CMA develops further over the coming years, with new functions and powers, and welcome the opportunity that this represents to make a real difference.


Prior to joining Fingleton, Joel Bamford was Director of Mergers at the CMA between 2016 and 2018 and then Senior Director for Mergers between 2018 and 2022, where he led key merger investigations such as Sainsbury’s/Asda and 21st Century Fox/Sky. He previously held roles at the New Zealand Commerce Commission, the Office of Fair Trading and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Notes to editors


  This appointment was managed by a Civil Service Commissioner to ensure a fair, merit-based and open process, in keeping with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles.
  The role was 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 Appoints Joel Bamford as New Executive Director for Mergers

Joel Bamford, currently a Director at strategic regulatory advisory firm Fingleton, is set to rejoin the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as the Executive Director for Mergers. His previous experience includes serving as Senior Director for Mergers at the CMA until early 2022.

 Sarah Cardell, the CMA Chief Executive, expressed her enthusiasm for Bamford's return, highlighting his deep knowledge of the CMA and the UK merger control regime. She noted that his external perspective from Fingleton will enhance the CMA’s merger function, ensuring a robust and efficient merger control regime that benefits consumers and businesses alike.

 Bamford himself expressed excitement about his new role, emphasizing the importance of UK merger control in a post-Brexit context. He looks forward to working with the CMA team to improve merger enforcement and drive competition in the UK market.

 Before his tenure at Fingleton, Bamford held significant roles at the CMA, leading key merger investigations such as Sainsbury’s/Asda and 21st Century Fox/Sky. His extensive background also includes positions at the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Office of Fair Trading.



CMA Appoints Joel Bamford as New Executive Director for Mergers

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced the appointment of Joel Bamford as the new Executive Director for Mergers, effective early 2024.