SEC Announces Key Leadership Appointments Under Chairman Paul Atkins

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday, June 13, 2025, announced a series of senior leadership appointments, continuing Chairman Paul Atkins' efforts to reshape the agency's top ranks. The appointments include new heads for external affairs, accounting, investment management, and trading and markets divisions.

Erik Hotmire is set to return to the SEC today, Monday, June 16, 2025, as Chief External Affairs Officer and Director of the Office of Public Affairs. Hotmire previously worked at the agency under former Chairman Christopher Cox and brings experience from both government and the private sector. Atkins commented, "I am delighted that Erik is coming back to the SEC to provide his talents and experience to continue our meaningful outreach to those interested in our activities." Hotmire's recent career includes co-founding Watermark Strategies and senior roles at other corporate advisory firms, in addition to serving as a White House spokesman during the George W. Bush administration.

Kurt Hohl, with nearly four decades of accounting and auditing experience, will assume the role of Chief Accountant effective July 7, 2025. Hohl previously worked with Atkins and at the SEC from 1989 to 1997. Atkins noted, "Kurt is an experienced accountant with deeply technical knowledge and international experience, and we are lucky he has decided to return to the SEC." Hohl recently founded Corallium Advisors after a 26-year tenure as a partner at Ernst & Young, where he served as global deputy vice-chair of the firm's Global Assurance Professional Practice. Acting Chief Accountant Ryan Wolfe will return to his previous position as Chief Accountant in the Division of Enforcement.

Brian Daly will become Director of the Division of Investment Management on July 8, 2025. Daly's background includes work at top-tier law firms and investment management companies. He spent the past four years as a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, advising investment advisers on regulatory compliance and fund formation. He also held roles at Schulte Roth & Zabel and served as chief legal and compliance officer at Kepos Capital. Chairman Atkins stated, "Brian has deep familiarity with all levels of the investment management industry, and I look forward to working with him as we address smart, effective oversight of the industry."

Jamie Selway will lead the Division of Trading and Markets starting June 17, 2025. Selway brings market structure expertise from both the buy-side and sell-side, having most recently served as a partner at Sophron Advisors. His prior roles include managing director and head of electronic brokerage at Investment Technology Group, co-founding institutional brokerage White Cap Trading, and earlier work at Goldman Sachs and a predecessor to FINRA. Selway commented, "Chairman Atkins is bringing about a 'new day' at the SEC. I thank him for selecting me to lead Trading and Markets at this exciting and pivotal time."