The SEC's current Director of Enforcement, Robert Khuzami, has announced that he is leaving the agency on February 8. His permanent replacement as Director will be selected by Mary Jo White, President Obama's selection to be the next SEC chairman, when she takes over. In the meantime, however, the SEC will need an Acting Enforcement Director when Khuzami departs. Today, SEC Chairman Elisse B. Walter addressed that need when she appointed George S. Canellos as Acting Director, effective February 8.

Canellos is currently Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement, a position he has held since June 2012. Previously, Canellos served as Director of the SEC's New York Regional Office from July 2009 to June 2012. Canellos also served for nine years as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, holding positions at the SDNY including Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, Senior Trial Counsel of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, and Deputy Chief Appellate Attorney. 

Canellos has been mentioned as a leading contender to be named Enforcement Director on a long-term basis, as well. The NYT reports that White's appointment could bode well for Canellos' prospects, as he worked under White when she ran the SDNY from 1993 to 2002.

The SEC separately announced that David P. Bergers, Director of the SEC's Boston Regional Office, will become Acting Deputy Director of the Enforcement Division when Canellos becomes Acting Director.

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