Amazon UK boss Douglas Gurr is appointed new director of the Natural History Museum

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Amazon UK boss who warned of ‘civil unrest’ at a no deal Brexit is appointed new director of the Natural History Museum

  • Douglas Gurr has been appointed as the new Natural History Museum director
  • The British businessman will leave his role as Amazon UK chief later this year
  • Amazon recently faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle climate change 
  • Mr Gurr helped Amazon’s successful bid to broadcast Premier League games
  • The appointment at the museum was approved by Prime Minister Boris Johnson 

By Sam Blitz For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Head of Amazon UK Douglas Gurr has been named as the new director of the Natural History Museum. 

Mr Gurr will leave Amazon to begin his new role later this year having worked at the global retail giant for nearly nine years. 

The British businessman, born in Leeds, revealed in 2018 that ‘civil unrest’ would appear in the UK within a fortnight if the country ended Brexit negotiations with the European Union without a deal.

Amazon UK chief Douglas Gurr (pictured) will take up the role as director of the Natural History Museum later this year

Mr Gurr revealed he was passionate about the work the museum (pictured) is doing and branded it an 'important cultural and scientific institution'

Mr Gurr revealed he was passionate about the work the museum (pictured) is doing and branded it an ‘important cultural and scientific institution’

Following the announcement of his new role, Mr Gurr said: ‘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.’   

In Mr Gurr’s time at the global retail giant, which also saw him operate as President of the company’s China operations, Amazon came under criticism in 2019 for not doing enough to fight climate change.

Thousands of Amazon employees signed a letter to the company’s chief executive Jeff Bezos demanding an urgent need of leadership regarding its environmental impact. 

In the same year, the company pledged to become carbon neutral by 2040. 

Mr Gurr’s appointment at the Natural History Museum has been approved by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

One of Mr Gurr's first jobs is to lead the museum in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic

One of Mr Gurr’s first jobs is to lead the museum in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic 

The former Amazon chief, who was the chairman of the Science Museum for four years before moving into the retail industry, will replace Sir Michael Dixon who last year announced he would be stepping down from the role.

Natural History Museum chairman Lord Stephen Green said: ‘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.’ 

One of Mr Gurr’s first jobs will be to attract tourists to the museum as it feels the effect of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK.

WHO IS DOUGLAS GURR?

Newly-appointed Natural History Museum director Douglas Gurr worked at Amazon for nearly nine years, holding roles such as Head of Amazon UK and President of Amazon China. 

Before joining the global retail giants, Mr Gurr was chairman of the board of the Science Museum, a position he held between 2010 and 2014. 

He is also president of the British Heart Foundation and chairman of the trustees of the National Gallery.

The British businessman revealed that his aim during his time at Amazon was to make it more open to the public, resulting in the company opening up warehouses to public tours and taking part in political debates.

Under his stewardship, Amazon also moved away from hiring employees on zero hour contracts. 

Mr Gurr was also behind Amazon’s bid to broadcast Premier League games via Amazon Video, with the first English top-flight matches shown on the service in December 2019.  

In the political world, Mr Gurr hit the headlines in 2018 after he claimed Britain would feel ‘civil unrest’ if they left the European Union without a deal.  

His appointment as Natural History museum director comes just days after Amazon was the subject of a complaint by the European Commission regarding the global retail company ripping off sales partners.

Last year, Amazon employees also complained to chief executive Jeff Bezos that the company was not doing enough to tackle climate change.