Jessica Lennard has been appointed to the role of Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer with overall responsibility for Strategy, Communications and External Engagement. Reporting directly to CEO Sarah Cardell, Jessica will be a member of our Senior Executive Team and advisor to the CMA Board.

Jessica brings a wealth of insights across political, corporate and public affairs and strategy development with strong sector knowledge across fintech, telecoms, energy, AI and digital. Most recently, Jessica has been Senior Director, Global Data and AI Initiatives at Visa and a Board Member at the Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation. Formerly, Jessica held corporate roles at TalkTalk, Ovo Energy and Edelman.

Jennie Halliday has been appointed as Senior Director for Advocacy & External Engagement. Currently working as a Director at the CMA leading on Advocacy, External Relations and Nations, in her new role Jennie will bring to bear her extensive experience and knowledge of the CMA and 25 years in competition law and policy across academia, private practice and the Office of Fair Trading. Reporting to the Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer, Jennie will help deliver strategic leadership for our advocacy and external engagement functions as the scope and importance of these functions increases in line with our refocused priorities.

Karen Croxson will join the CMA as the new Chief Data & Technology Insights Officer bolstering the DaTA team’s work, so vital to preparations for Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers powers, our work on Generative AI, digital mergers and much more. In addition to analysing firms’ use of data and technology and its implications for consumers and markets, Karen will shape the CMA’s data strategy to accelerate our digital transformation and operational effectiveness. Karen is currently Deputy Chief Economist at the Financial Conduct Authority and brings a wealth of relevant experience in data science, AI, economics, and behavioural science. Prior to the FCA, she was at QuantumBlack and a strategy consultant for McKinsey. Karen will report to our Chief Economic Adviser.

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

I’m delighted to announce that we have made some outstanding appointments to our senior team following highly competitive open recruitment rounds and I’m looking forward to working directly with each of them.

These are all critical and high calibre appointments and I have no doubt that each of Jessica, Jennie and Karen will play an essential role in ensuring that we deliver impactful outcomes for people, businesses and the economy in line with our new strategy.

Jessica Lennard said:

The CMA is one of the most respected competition and consumer protection regulators in the world. In these extraordinary times, their work championing greater choice and stronger, more resilient markets is more important than ever. I look forward to working with Sarah and the team to ensure consumers are treated fairly and businesses have a level playing field on which to invest, innovate, and grow.

Jennie Halliday said:

It’s an exciting time to be appointed as the Senior Director of Advocacy & External Engagement as the CMA takes on new responsibilities and grows across the UK nations and regions. I know how important our work is for people, businesses and the UK economy, and I look forward to working with teams across the CMA to understand people’s concerns, explain what we do and why, and advocate for the fundamental importance of competition and consumer protection.

Karen Croxson said:

Data and AI are transforming business models with profound implications for markets and consumers. I’m delighted to join the CMA at such a critical time and have this incredible opportunity to serve consumers and support digital innovation and competition across the UK economy. I look forward to working closely with Mike, Sarah, and their excellent teams across the CMA.

Notes to editors

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. For media queries, please contact the press office via press@cma.gov.uk or on 020 3738 6460.