The SEC announced today that Enforcement Director Andrew J. Ceresney will leave the agency by the end of this month. Ceresney has served as Enforcement Director (or Co-Director) since joining the SEC in April 2013. Deputy Director Stephanie Avakian will serve as Acting Director upon Ceresney’s departure.
SEC Chair Mary Jo White named Ceresney Co-Director (along with George Canellos) upon his arrival at the agency in 2013. Upon Canellos’ departure from the SEC in January 2014, Ceresney continued to serve as Director. Reflecting upon Ceresney’s tenure, Chair White today credited Ceresney for his strong leadership that helped take an “already robust enforcement program to an even higher level, achieving unprecedented results, including a record number of enforcement actions, first-of-their-kind cases and a first ever admissions policy for a civil law enforcement agency.” White specifically cited Ceresney’s tremendous work ethic, his commitment to do what is right, and his deep dedication to the agency, adding that “America’s investors and our markets have been extremely fortunate to have him fighting in their corner for the last four years.”
