SEC Enforcement Division names deputy director

Gerorge Canellos will take on the role of deputy director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Enforcement Division. His role begins 4 June following a three year spell as regional director in New York. 

George Canellos

Canellos replaces Lorin Reisner, who left the SEC to join the US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York in January, having spent three years in the deputy director post.

The Enforcement Division, headed by ex-Deutsche Bank counsel Robert Khuzami, conducts investigations into violations of federal securities laws, and prosecutes the SEC’s civil suits in federal courts as well as its administrative proceedings. 

Canellos had responsibility for the largest concentration of SEC-registered financial institutions while in New York. This included more than 4,000 investment banks, investment advisers, broker-dealers, mutual funds and hedge funds, according to a SEC statement. 

“George has been an incredibly effective advocate for investors and has helped the New York office take on some of the most difficult cases in the securities arena,” said SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro.

Canellos prior position will be filled by former Donovan Leisure Newton & Irvine partner Andrew Calamari. Calamari is currently senior associate regional director and co-head of enforcement for the New York regional office, having served in that position since 2004.