12 new experts to join the CMA's inquiry panel

1 Sep 2026 02:17 PM

New members bring wide-ranging expertise to support the CMA’s independent work.

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

  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.

Notes to editors

  1. 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.
  2. Biographies of the new panel members are available online.