Chris Bolt CB has stepped down as Chair of the Guernsey Competition & Regulatory Authority, and in March 2023 Caroline Chan will also step down as a board member.
The Guernsey Competition & Regulatory Authority (GCRA) will be launching a recruitment exercise for a new Chair and Board member, following these recent changes.
Mr Bolt took up the Chairmanship in July 2020 when the GCRA reverted to a separate authority, having previously been part of CICRA (the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities). Since his appointment Chris Bolt has led the GCRA Board, strengthened the executive team, and helped steer the organisation through several complex and significant competition law matters.
John Curran will take over as Interim Chair until a replacement for Chris Bolt is appointed. Mr Curran is an existing Non-Executive Director of the GCRA, and is a former CEO of the GCRA, Director General of Guernsey’s Office of Utility Regulation (forerunner to the GCRA) and headed up the JCRA from 2010.
John Curran commented: “Chris has been an outstanding leader for the GCRA, not just for the Board members but in supporting and mentoring our executive team. He has vast experience in the regulatory space, and we have been fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge over the past two years. We wish him well for the future.
“We are also grateful for the role which Caroline Chan has played as a Board member, and will continue to play until the end of her term next year. She has been an excellent on-island appointment, and when her term ends will leave with our thanks for the expertise she has brought to the GCRA.”
Commenting on his decision Chris Bolt said: “I have decided to step aside primarily for personal reasons, but also because I think the organisation is now in a very strong position to move forward as a Guernsey-focused regulatory body and it is time for someone else to pick up the reins and lead it. There is an incredible team in place who carry out important and valuable work for the people of Guernsey, for businesses and -for the health of the economy generally and I wish them all well. I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the States of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development said: “Chris has done a first-rate job in re-establishing a separate authority. He has demonstrated great integrity and insight in the way he has undertaken the role, and the Committee is grateful for the work he has done. We wish him well for the future, personally and professionally.
“We also thank John for stepping in to ensure continuity and stability. It is hugely appreciated by the Committee for Economic Development.”
