Competition watchdog head appointed

Friday 18 July 2014

The stand-in boss at the competition regulator has been given the job on a permanent basis.

Michael Byrne has been appointed chief executive at the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities, having served as interim chief executive since the departure of Andrew Riseley in March.

Mr Bryne – who has years of experience in regulating the broadcasting, telecoms, postal and energy sectors – said: “My focus is continuing the delivery of CICRA’s 2014 work programme of pan-Channel Island regulatory and competition law activities on both islands ensuring that consumers across the Channel Islands receive the best value, choice and access to high quality services.”

He initially joined the Guernsey regulator in 2005, and has been running the joint Channel Islands regulator since April.

Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean, said: “The department has worked closely with CICRA for a number of years and we are anticipating a year of significant progress in telecommunications.

“Michael’s appointment as chief executive provides a high level of continuity and his experience has already proven invaluable.”

The competition watchdog has had four chief executives in just four years, Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean has told the States.

Last year both CICRA and phone company JT were criticised over a legal fight that the Royal Court said should have been dealt with informally. Despite that, has been one of the major States success stories of the last ten years, tackling fuel prices, starting to open up the phone market and exposing the price gaps between Jersey and UK retail costs.