The newly appointed chair of Jersey’s competition watchdog has been welcomed to the “pivotal” role by the Economic Development Minister, as he looks to build on the “significant successes and modernisation” achieved by the independent body.
Martin Coleman will start his new role with the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority in July, taking over from incumbent Stephanie Liston.
The JCRA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of competition law in Jersey, including merger control.
I am looking forward to actively and transparently engaging with people and businesses in Jersey and focusing the work of the JCRA on the best interests of Jersey and all stakeholders – government, business and consumers
Martin Coleman
It also has specific responsibility for the ports, postal and telecommunications sectors in the island. For the regulated sectors, the Authority’s work entails monitoring compliance with licence conditions, undertaking market reviews and investigations where required.
An international expert in competition law and regulatory affairs, Mr Coleman is panel chair of the Competition and Markets Authority in the UK and has been a non-executive director of the CMA’s board since October 2017.
He was also a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright and head of its global competition and regulatory practice, which he retired from around nine years ago.
Mr Coleman said: “I am looking forward to actively and transparently engaging with people and businesses in Jersey and focusing the work of the JCRA on the best interests of Jersey and all stakeholders – government, business and consumers.”
Welcoming the news, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel described effective competition policy and regulatory oversight as “the bedrock of a healthy economy”.
“I am delighted to welcome Martin Coleman as the new chair of the JCRA,” the minister continued.
“He is of the highest calibre and experience and will play a pivotal role, building on the strong foundations that his predecessor and her leadership team have put in place for the benefit of consumers in Jersey.”
Deputy Morel also acknowledged the work of Ms Liston “as she steps down after six years of outstanding leadership and guidance”.
“Stephanie took up her role in the wake of the Covid pandemic, at a time when economic recovery was paramount,” he added.
“With her excellent team, the JCRA has achieved significant successes and modernisation, and is acknowledged as one of the leading small-nation regulators in the world.”