BRUSSELS — Irishman Anthony Whelan was named on Monday as director-general of the EU’s competition department, installing the former digital adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the pivotal role after a lengthy search.
Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera announced the appointment in a social media post, citing Whelan’s “deep experience in European policymaking.”
Whelan takes the helm at DG COMP at a time of increased scrutiny of Big Tech and as a review of the EU’s merger guidelines is being finalized. Ribera emphasized that his leadership would be central to maintaining the competition department’s standards of objectivity and independence.
“His professionalism will be essential to uphold what matters most in competition enforcement: objectivity, independence and equal treatment for all companies operating in Europe,” Ribera said on Bluesky.
Whelan succeeds Linsey McCallum, who has led the department on an acting basis since the departure of Frenchman Olivier Guersent last summer. Ribera expressed “sincere appreciation” for McCallum’s leadership, noting her role in ensuring continuity in the Commission’s work.
In her post, Ribera framed the department’s future mandate through a philosophical lens, calling for enforcement grounded in fairness and the protection of the vulnerable.
“In these uncertain times, our responsibility is more important than ever: to enforce rules firmly, to remain free from any distorting pressures, to act with integrity,” Ribera wrote.
Whelan advised von der Leyen on digital policy from 2019 through to last September, when he moved to DG COMP to as a deputy director-general responsible for state aid.
