Our People » Max von Thun
Max von Thun is the Director of Europe & Transatlantic Partnerships at the Open Markets Institute. He leads Open Markets’ research and advocacy in Europe alongside efforts to bring about greater alignment in transatlantic anti-monopoly policy and enforcement.
Von Thun’s work touches on a range of antitrust and competition issues in Europe, with a particular focus on technology and new legislative frameworks targeting Big Tech’s market power. Prior to joining Open Markets, von Thun advised UK Parliamentarians on economic policy, led the research program at think-tank the Centre for Entrepreneurs, and worked as a consultant on EU and UK technology and competition policy. He has written influential reports on a range of topics including AI regulation, the future of work, wealth taxation and small business policy. Von Thun’s writing has appeared in publications including the Guardian, the Times, Tech Policy Press and Euractiv. He is regularly quoted as an expert on European competition and technology issues in the media, including Politico, Reuters, Bloomberg, Wired and Time.
Von Thun holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and philosophy from the University of Southern California, and a master’s in international public policy from University College London. He originally hails from London, but these days calls Brussels home.
Join us for a webinar on May 15, 2025 09:00 AM EST to explore how concentrated corporate control over cloud infrastructure threatens competition, innovation, and national security—and what bold steps are needed to build a more open, resilient digital future.
Europe and Transatlantic Partnerships Director Max von Thun penned an op-ed with former MEP Marietje Schaake on what has become a critical moment for European policy towards Big Tech - and how Europe can seize it.
Open Markets Institute signed onto a letter expressing concerns that trade negotiations could undermine UK parliamentary sovereignty and democracy, particularly in relation to regulations like the Online Safety Act and the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act.
Open Markets submitted a letter welcoming the UK's draft Strategic Steer to the CMA, emphasizing alignment with broader policy goals while maintaining the regulator's independence.
Europe director Max von Thun advocates for stronger political leadership and unity to defend the EU’s digital rulebook against threats from the US administration.
In this issue, we take a look at the threat posed to local television news by the rise of internet-based live television platforms, especially as must-carry regulations haven’t caught up to the new streaming environment.
Open Markets Institute’s Europe Director Max von Thun, in collaboration with partners European Policy Centre and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, has published a policy briefing urging European Union leaders to strengthen their resolve in tackling Big Tech despite increasing pressure from the new Trump administration and US tech billionaires.
Open Markets submitted a letter to the French Competition Authority advocating for updates to France's merger control thresholds to address concerns over "killer acquisitions" by dominant firms, especially in Big Tech and Big Pharma, emphasizing the need for a more robust and flexible regulatory framework.
Open Markets transatlantic partnerships director Max von Thun was quoted in an article in the Journal of Political Inquiry regarding the fate of US-EU cooperation over big tech regulation and enforcement under the second Trump administration.
Europe director Max von Thun’s thoughts are citd advocating for strengthening the EU’s digital regulations to achieve digital sovereignty.