On 7 January 2014, Jānis Račko, former executive director of the Competition Council (CC) of Latvia, was appointed as Member of the Competition Council by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia.
Mr Račko has been working at the CC since 2001. From 2003 to 2006 he was head of the CC Legal Department. Since 2006, he has performed the duties of the Executive Director of the CC. Mr Račko has gained experience in the implementation of national and EU competition law, and took part in drafting the text of the Latvian Competition law and other regulations of different Latvian institutions, e.g. relating to Civil procedure law and Public procurement law. In November 2013, in honour of his significant contribution to industry development and the fulfilment of his duties at the CC, Mr Račko received formal appreciation as a high-level professional from the Ministry of Economics.
Mr Račko graduated from the University of Latvia with a degree in law.
On 20 December 2013, the previous CC member, Ms Daina Šulmane, left office. Mr Račko was proposed to the Ministry of Economics as the most appropriate candidate for this position by Mrs Skaidrīte Ābrama, Chairwoman of the CC.
The CC consists of the Chairwoman and two Members who are appointed for a period of five years by the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers. Mrs Skaidrīte Ābrama is Chairwoman (since 12 June 2012) and the Members of the CC are Mr Dzintars Striks (reappointed on 17 February 2011) and Mr Jānis Račko.