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Federal Trade Commission Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen announced today that Abbott (Tad) Lipsky, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, retired effective July 3, 2017. Lipsky was previously a partner in the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP, and brought 40 years of experience in antitrust law to the position, including previously serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General to President Reagan’s first Assistant Attorney General, William F. Baxter. He also served on the Trump administration transition team for the FTC. Alan Devlin, an Acting Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition also left the Commission July 3, 2017, for private practice. 

Acting Chairman Ohlhausen said, “Tad has been a tremendous asset at the Bureau since he arrived. His deep experience and intellect have helped guide the Bureau through many important Commission matters. I greatly appreciate his public service and willingness to delay his previously planned retirement to support the FTC’s competition mission. I also want to thank Alan Devlin for his tireless efforts and keen legal insights at the Bureau and previously, with my office.  I wish him well in private practice.”

Markus H. Meier, who has served as Acting Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition since November 2015, replaces Lipsky as Acting Director of the Bureau of Competition.  Meier has led the Health Care division within the Bureau of Competition since 2006.  He brings nearly 30 years of experience in antitrust, serving previously in private practice and the U.S. Army.  As part of these changes, Acting Chairman Ohlhausen has also appointed Haidee L. Schwartz as an Acting Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition. Schwartz previously served as an Attorney Advisor to Acting Chairman Ohlhausen, and as a counsel practicing antitrust law at O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington D.C.

Marian R. Bruno will continue to serve as Deputy Director, Bureau of Competition, a position she has held since 2008. She will continue to bring her strong leadership, immense skills and expertise to the Bureau’s mission. 

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.