Background and Career Progression
The past fortnight marked my final days at the Federal Competition Economic Commission (Cofece), where I served as a public servant for the last ten years. I neither sought to remain in the new authority nor was I pursued for a position there. It’s time for personal renewal.
Before 2015, I had worked in other competition authorities for shorter periods: the Federal Telecommunications Institute (which also recently disappeared) and the Competition Federal Commission (Cofeco), COFECE’s predecessor.
During my decade at Cofece, I progressed from Area Director to Executive Director and eventually Commissioner. Each role required rigorous examinations, showcasing the institution’s commitment to competition not just in markets but also in leadership positions.
Valued Colleagues and Teams
I was fortunate to work with exceptional teams. As a Commissioner, my team comprised skilled economists and lawyers who were not only proficient in their fields but also wonderful individuals. I also made lasting friendships and connections with dedicated professionals committed to societal betterment.
The other six Commissioners forming the Plenum were equally valuable, and I learned from each of them.
Transition to the New Antimonopoly Commission
The new authority, the National Antimonopoly Commission, will see most Cofece public servants remain, except around fifty who couldn’t be rehired due to budget constraints. Two Cofece Commissioners, Andrea Marván Saltiel and Ana María Resendiz Mora, will join the new Plenum.
I had the privilege of working closely with them on various cases, confirming their technical and human capabilities.
The other three Commissioners are less familiar to me, but I can share their profiles:
- Ricardo Salgado: He has experience in two competition authorities, Cofeco and IFT. At Cofeco, he worked on the specialized amparo and lawsuit area against the Commission. At IFT, he served as the Investigatory Authority’s head.
- Oscar Gómez: He worked for two years in a former Commissioner’s team at Cofece, then moved to the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Secretariat of Economy.
- Haydé: With less experience in economic competition, she has a substantial background in labor law.
Challenges Ahead for the New Authority
The new authority faces significant challenges:
- Increased evaluation of mergers with shorter deadlines
- Shorter investigation periods for monopolistic practices
- Salary reductions for many remaining staff members
- Removal of certain labor benefits like telecommuting
- Attention to new procedures, including compliance and predominance programs
Wishes for the New Commissioners and Colleagues
I wish the new Commissioners, and all my colleagues who transitioned to the new authority, success. Serving as a competition Commissioner is an honorable role when autonomy and independence are allowed. The Commissioners bear a strong responsibility when casting their votes, as their decisions can correct or distort markets or even sectors of the economy.
To those who couldn’t transition, I’m confident better opportunities await.
