The Competition and Markets Authority has created a new deputy general counsel post as it gears up for greater powers next year.

The competition watchdog announced just before Christmas that its senior director for litigation, Jessica Radke, has been appointed to the post. CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said the new post ‘reflects the increase in workload and responsibilities that the CMA has taken on recently’.

Post-Brexit, the CMA took on more mergers work previously handled by the European Commission. It also established a subsidy advice unit, which provides independent non-binding advice to public authorities.

The CMA is preparing for new powers expected as part of the Digital Markets, Consumers and Competition Bill. The legislation would empower the CMA to decide when consumer law has been broken and impose significant financial penalties.

Radke joined the CMA in 2017. Commenting on her new job, she said: ‘I’m really excited to take up this new role at a time when the CMA is preparing to take on greater powers. Over the last few years I’ve enjoyed working with some really talented colleagues in the litigation unit and look forward to continuing to work with a brilliant legal team to deliver for UK businesses and consumers.’