Amazon China president, Douglas Gurr, has been appointed as the new chair of the British Heart Foundation and will replace current chair Philip Yea, who has served the maximum terms as a trustee, from October.

Gurr previously served as chairman of the Science Museum Group between 2010 and 2014 and is also a trustee of Landmark Trust.

During his tenure with the Science Museum, the organisation's income grew by over £15.5m, from £63.4m in 2010 to £79.3m in 2014. The museum also had its busiest year in terms of visitors with 5.7 million people visiting the museum in 2014.

Gurr was previously a partner with global marketing firm McKinsey & Company before founding his own wholesale company, Blueheath, in 2001. He is currently the president of Amazon China, having joined the digital marketplace company from Asda. 

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to support the essential and amazing work of the BHF and build on the outstanding job of the current chairman Philip Yea,” he said.

“I’m looking forward enormously to working with this wonderful and dedicated community of researchers, volunteers and supporters, professional staff and, of course, those affected by the devastating impact of heart disease.”

Outgoing chair Yea said: “Doug has vast experience in both the commercial and third sector, and has a proven track record in chairing a high-profile institution.”