Brian Kennedy, a seasoned barrister with over 27 years of experience, has been appointed as the Chief Adjudication Officer at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland. This appointment was made by Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

The role of Chief Adjudication Officer was established through the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022, which introduced a new administrative enforcement regime for breaches of EU and Irish competition law. This regime allows the CCPC to impose significant financial sanctions for competition law infringements, with penalties reaching up to €10 million or 10% of total worldwide turnover, subject to court approval.

Brian McHugh, Chairperson of the CCPC, expressed his satisfaction with the appointment, highlighting the importance of competition for the Irish economy and the central role of the CCPC in fostering a competitive marketplace. He noted that the CCPC has long advocated for enhanced enforcement powers, which are now in place to better serve consumers.

In his remarks, Brian Kennedy emphasized his enthusiasm for the new role, describing it as a unique opportunity to lead the development of the CCPC's administrative enforcement regime. He underscored the importance of independent decision-making in addressing alleged competition law violations and contributing to the organization's growth.

The CCPC is tasked with enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection, and product safety laws, aiming to enhance market efficiency for both consumers and businesses in Ireland.