Profile: Timothy J Muris

Competition

Biography: Competition

Timothy J Muris is of counsel in O'Melveny & Myers LLP's Washington, DC office and co-chair of the firm's antitrust and competition practice. Tim has a long and distinguished career in public and private service and a broad background, including substantial experience in antitrust, consumer protection, privacy regulation and strategic counselling. He was chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (2001 to 2004), director of the bureau of competition (1983 to 1985), director of the bureau of consumer protection (1981 to 1983), and assistant to the director of the planning office. Tim is the only person ever to head both enforcement bureaus at the FTC. After leaving the FTC, Tim served with the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget. In 2005, he served on President Bush's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform.

As FTC chairman, Tim aggressively protected consumers' privacy, and the FTC launched the nationally acclaimed "Do Not Call" registry. During his tenure, the Commission initiated several cases to ensure the security of consumers' sensitive information within corporate databases. The FTC also launched a nationwide campaign to fight identity theft. Tim also oversaw a highly effective competition and consumer protection law enforcement agenda, and re-invigorated a competition advocacy programme.

Tim's tenure as chairman was widely praised across the political spectrum. For example, the Wall Street Journal said that the FTC was "functioning vigorously" and the Washington Post said: "Muris is, according to both Democrats and Republicans, one of President Bush's most successful appointees."

Tim joined the faculty of George Mason University School of Law in 1988, and served as interim Dean from 1996 to 1997. He is a recognised expert on antitrust, consumer protection, and the regulatory and budget process.