The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board announced Kenneth Lench has been named general counsel. In his role, Lench will provide legal advice and counsel to the Board regarding all PCAOB operations and activities.

Lench is currently a partner in Kirkland & Ellis’ Government, Regulatory, and Internal Investigations Practice Group, where he focuses on securities law. Prior to joining Kirkland in 2013, he served for more than 23 years in several positions at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“It is an honor to join the PCAOB and lead the Office of the General Counsel,” said Lench in a news release. “The PCAOB plays an important role in advancing audit quality, and I look forward to working with the Board and dedicated staff to execute the organization’s statutory mandate.”

John Cook, who has served as acting general counsel, will resume his role as deputy general counsel upon Lench’s arrival, expected in February 2020.

The PCAOB also announced Patrick Bryan has been named director of the Division of Enforcement and Investigations. In this role, Bryan will advance the organization’s investigations and litigation of violations of PCAOB rules and other applicable securities regulations.

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