Andrew Ceresney is set to leave the Securities and Exchange Commission by the end of 2016 as enforcement director after nearly four years in the job.
SEC said Thursday Stephanie Avakian, deputy director at SEC’s enforcement division, will succeed Ceresney on an acting basis after he steps down.
“Andrew’s tremendous work ethic, commitment to do what is right, and deep dedication to his entire team have made him an incredibly effective leader,” said SEC Chair Mary Jo White.
SEC filed more than 2,850 enforcement actions and obtained approximately $13.8 billion in monetary sanctions during Ceresney’s time as head of the enforcement division.
He joined the commission from Debevoise & Plimpton where he served as a litigation partner and co-chair of the law firm’s white collar group.
Ceresney previously worked as deputy chief appellate attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
He also served as a law clerk to Dennis Jacobs, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and to Michael Mukasey, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
