If you fancy your hand at running Amazon in the UK then it’s time to polish off your CV because a vacancy is opening up. Doug Gurr, a 9 year Amazon veteran who spent time running China for the marketplace before becoming UK Country Manager in 2016, is quitting to become the new Director of the Natural History Museum – an appointment which had to be rubber stamped by the Prime Minister.
Having run Amazon, the Natural History Museum might be a bit easier as relics don’t tend to move as much as the billions of items floating around Amazon’s warehouses. However the responsibility is in some ways more crucial as your kid over ordering toilet roll is one thing but if they start playing with the exhibits that could be a bit more serious!
“The Natural History Museum’s vision of a future where people and planet thrive has never been more relevant and it is a privilege to be invited to lead this globally important cultural and scientific institution.
I am passionate about the work the Museum is doing to tackle the planetary emergency by using its unrivalled collection and leading scientific research to connect millions of people a year with nature. I can’t wait to join the team.”
– Doug Gurr, incoming Director, Natural History Museum
No date has been given for Doug to start at the Museum and it’s not clear when he will be leaving Amazon. The head hunters will be dribbling at the thought of the fees a position like this could bring, but there’s a better than even chance that Amazon will promote from within and the next head of Amazon UK already works for Amazon.
“Doug’s academic background, considerable experience in working with public service organisations and digital understanding make him ideal to lead our treasured Museum in our mission to create advocates for the planet. The Board of Trustees and I look forward to working with him at this time of challenges and opportunities for the Museum.”
– Lord Stephen Green, Chair ,Natural History Museum
