SEC selects Woodcock
10 April 2026 US
Image: LinkedIn/stock.adobe.com
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has appointed David Woodcock as director of the division of Enforcement, effective 4 May 2026.
Woodcock is a recognised securities and governance attorney who returns to the Commission after serving as director of the Fort Worth Regional Office from 2011 to 2015.
During his prior SEC tenure, Woodcock led Enforcement and Examinations lawyers, accountants, and examiners, oversaw investigations across almost every major area of the SEC’s enforcement program.
He served as a member of the Enforcement Advisory Committee, and created and served as the chair of the SEC’s cross-office and cross-division Financial Reporting and Audit Task Force which was designed to enhance the SEC’s detection and prosecution of violations involving accounting and false financial statements.
Woodcock is currently a partner in the Dallas and Washington, DC offices of Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, where he serves as chair of the firm’s Securities Enforcement Practice Group.
Paul S. Atkin, SEC Chairman, remarks: “The Division of Enforcement has undergone a significant course correction, restoring Congressional intent by prioritising cases that provide meaningful investor protection and strengthen market integrity.”
He continues: “I am incredibly pleased to have David rejoin the SEC at this critical time, as we continue to focus on the types of misconduct that inflict the greatest harm to investors.
“With experience as a senior officer at the SEC, global law firm partner, a certified public accountant, and senior in-house corporate attorney, David is a foremost expert in all relevant facets of securities law and has deep institutional knowledge.
“I look forward to him leading our over 1,000 team of talented enforcement investigators, trial attorneys, accountants, and other professionals.”
Woodcock adds: “I’m honoured to join the exceptionally talented team in the Enforcement Division and look forward to advancing our vital mission of investor protection.”
Woodcock is a recognised securities and governance attorney who returns to the Commission after serving as director of the Fort Worth Regional Office from 2011 to 2015.
During his prior SEC tenure, Woodcock led Enforcement and Examinations lawyers, accountants, and examiners, oversaw investigations across almost every major area of the SEC’s enforcement program.
He served as a member of the Enforcement Advisory Committee, and created and served as the chair of the SEC’s cross-office and cross-division Financial Reporting and Audit Task Force which was designed to enhance the SEC’s detection and prosecution of violations involving accounting and false financial statements.
Woodcock is currently a partner in the Dallas and Washington, DC offices of Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher, where he serves as chair of the firm’s Securities Enforcement Practice Group.
Paul S. Atkin, SEC Chairman, remarks: “The Division of Enforcement has undergone a significant course correction, restoring Congressional intent by prioritising cases that provide meaningful investor protection and strengthen market integrity.”
He continues: “I am incredibly pleased to have David rejoin the SEC at this critical time, as we continue to focus on the types of misconduct that inflict the greatest harm to investors.
“With experience as a senior officer at the SEC, global law firm partner, a certified public accountant, and senior in-house corporate attorney, David is a foremost expert in all relevant facets of securities law and has deep institutional knowledge.
“I look forward to him leading our over 1,000 team of talented enforcement investigators, trial attorneys, accountants, and other professionals.”
Woodcock adds: “I’m honoured to join the exceptionally talented team in the Enforcement Division and look forward to advancing our vital mission of investor protection.”
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