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Former Asda director takes helm of Amazon's UK operations Former Asda director takes helm of Amazon’s UK operations
(about 5 hours later)
Amazon has parachuted in Doug Gurr, the boss of its Chinese business, to run its UK operations in a move that could signal an acceleration of the online firm’s plans to sell groceries here. Amazon has brought in Doug Gurr, the boss of its Chinese business, to run its UK operations in a move that could signal an acceleration of the online firm’s plans to sell groceries in Britain.
Gurr was development director at Asda for nearly five years before joining Amazon in 2011. His return to the UK comes weeks after Amazon revealed a deal to sell fresh, chilled and frozen food made by Morrisons, the Bradford-based supermarket chain.Gurr was development director at Asda for nearly five years before joining Amazon in 2011. His return to the UK comes weeks after Amazon revealed a deal to sell fresh, chilled and frozen food made by Morrisons, the Bradford-based supermarket chain.
Last September Amazon also began selling frozen items via its Prime Now one-hour delivery service, which is offered major cities including London and Manchester. That came after the expansion of the Amazon Pantry service, which enables shoppers to fill a box of grocery items from a range of 4,000 household products, including big brands such as Kellogg’s, Ariel, Colgate and Kronenbourg – but not fresh or frozen food. Last September Amazon also began selling frozen items via its Prime Now one-hour delivery service, which is offered in big cities including London and Manchester. That followed the expansion of the Amazon Pantry service, which enables shoppers to fill a box of grocery items from a range of 4,000 household products, including big brands such as Kellogg’s, Ariel, Colgate and Kronenbourg. Fresh and frozen food is not available.
Gurr replaces Chris North, who will quit the company in May to join the US online photo gift retailer Shutterfly.Gurr replaces Chris North, who will quit the company in May to join the US online photo gift retailer Shutterfly.
Under North, Amazon has achieved strong growth in the UK, confirming its position as one of the company’s most important markets. However, his tenure has also been fraught with controversy over Amazon’s tax arrangements, handling of weapons including knives, and employment practices. Under North, Amazon has achieved strong growth in the UK, confirming its position as one of the company’s most important markets. However, his tenure has also been fraught with controversy over Amazon’s tax arrangements, handling of weapons and employment practices.
Gurr has also attracted controversy after it emerged he had been offered a role as a non-executive a director at the Department for Work and Pensions. Gurr has also attracted controversy after he was appointed as a non-executive director at the Department for Work and Pensions in January.
The Labour MP and tax campaigner Margaret Hodge described the plan as “disgusting”, given Amazon was among the companies embroiled in a row over taxes. There have been concerns that US-based technology giants such as Amazon are having an increasing influence on government, even amid growing public pressure for them to pay more tax in the UK. The Labour MP and tax campaigner Margaret Hodge described his appointment as “disgusting”, given Amazon was among the companies embroiled in a row over taxes. There have been concerns that US-based technology giants such as Amazon are having an increasing influence on government, even during growing public pressure for them to pay more tax in the UK.
Xavier Garambois, vice president of EU Retail at Amazon, said: “Doug has a deep knowledge of Amazon’s business and is ideally placed to provide both continuity and progression in the UK as we continue to focus on providing our customers with ever better selection, value and convenience.” Gurr stepped down from his role at the DWP on Wednesday in order to “focus on his new role,” according to Amazon.
When Gurr joined Amazon he led its UK hardlines division, which includes products such as lawn and garden and toys. Xavier Garambois, the vice-president of EU Retail at Amazon, said: “Doug has a deep knowledge of Amazon’s business and is ideally placed to provide both continuity and progression in the UK as we continue to focus on providing our customers with ever better selection, value and convenience.”
But Gurr has extensive experience of running online food business. At Asda, where he spent about four and a half years, he was responsible for strategy, logistics and online operations helping the supermarket strengthen its .com business. Before that he was chief executive of Blueheath Holdings, an online grocery wholesaler he founded and led to its listing on London’s AIM market. The group later merged with cash and carry group Booker. When Gurr joined Amazon he led its UK hardlines division, which includes products such as lawn and garden equipment and toys.
Gurr was also a partner at McKinsey & Co after an academic career that included a bachelor and master’s degrees in mathematics from Cambridge University to a PhD in theoretical computing from Edinburgh. But Gurr has extensive experience of running online food business. At Asda, where he spent about four and a half years, he was responsible for strategy, logistics and online operations helping the supermarket strengthen its dotcom business.
Before that he was chief executive of Blueheath Holdings, an online grocery wholesaler he founded and led to its listing on London’s AIM market. The group later merged with cash and carry group Booker.