SEC's Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson to Retire After Eight Years in Role

Wednesday, 24/09/2025 | 20:12 GMT by Jared Kirui
  • Johnson became the SEC’s chief financial officer in 2010 before advancing to the COO position.
  • He joined the regulator in 2003 following a career at the Congressional Budget Office.
Ken Johnson

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson will retire in December, exiting a role he has held for about 8 years.

A Career at the SEC

Johnson joined the SEC in 2003 after working at the Congressional Budget Office. He rose through the ranks to become chief financial officer in 2010 and was later appointed chief operating officer in 2017. His tenure placed him at the center of the SEC’s operational and administrative decision-making.

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“Ken has been an integral leader at the SEC for more than two decades,” said Chairman Paul S. Atkins. I have had the pleasure of knowing him both as a Commissioner and now as Chairman.”

“He has served this agency and the country with ultimate integrity, furthering our mission with his adept oversight of SEC operations and administrative functions,” he added. “I will certainly miss his wise counsel and wish him the very best in his next pursuits.”

As COO, Johnson managed the agency’s core infrastructure. His remit included human resources, acquisitions, financial management, information technology, the EDGAR Business Office, and the Office of the Chief Data Officer. He also oversaw support operations such as records management, facilities, and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Recent SEC Leadership Changes Under Atkins

In June, shortly after Atkins replaced Gary Gensler as SEC Chairman, the agency announced a major leadership reshuffle, appointing four senior officials to key roles. The moves are part of Atkins’ ongoing effort to reorganize the agency’s top ranks.

More executive moves this week: SquaredFinancial’s Chief Sales Officer Thomas Selby joins Taurex

Among the appointments, Erik Hotmire returned as Chief External Affairs Officer and Director of the Office of Public Affairs. Hotmire previously served at the SEC under former Chairman Christopher Cox and brings extensive experience in government and corporate communications.

Hotmire spent recent years as a partner at corporate advisory firms, including co-founding Watermark Strategies and holding senior roles at Brunswick Group, Teneo, and FGS Global. He also served as a White House spokesman during the George W. Bush administration.

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson will retire in December, exiting a role he has held for about 8 years.

A Career at the SEC

Johnson joined the SEC in 2003 after working at the Congressional Budget Office. He rose through the ranks to become chief financial officer in 2010 and was later appointed chief operating officer in 2017. His tenure placed him at the center of the SEC’s operational and administrative decision-making.

Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!

“Ken has been an integral leader at the SEC for more than two decades,” said Chairman Paul S. Atkins. I have had the pleasure of knowing him both as a Commissioner and now as Chairman.”

“He has served this agency and the country with ultimate integrity, furthering our mission with his adept oversight of SEC operations and administrative functions,” he added. “I will certainly miss his wise counsel and wish him the very best in his next pursuits.”

As COO, Johnson managed the agency’s core infrastructure. His remit included human resources, acquisitions, financial management, information technology, the EDGAR Business Office, and the Office of the Chief Data Officer. He also oversaw support operations such as records management, facilities, and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Recent SEC Leadership Changes Under Atkins

In June, shortly after Atkins replaced Gary Gensler as SEC Chairman, the agency announced a major leadership reshuffle, appointing four senior officials to key roles. The moves are part of Atkins’ ongoing effort to reorganize the agency’s top ranks.

More executive moves this week: SquaredFinancial’s Chief Sales Officer Thomas Selby joins Taurex

Among the appointments, Erik Hotmire returned as Chief External Affairs Officer and Director of the Office of Public Affairs. Hotmire previously served at the SEC under former Chairman Christopher Cox and brings extensive experience in government and corporate communications.

Hotmire spent recent years as a partner at corporate advisory firms, including co-founding Watermark Strategies and holding senior roles at Brunswick Group, Teneo, and FGS Global. He also served as a White House spokesman during the George W. Bush administration.

About the Author: Jared Kirui
Jared Kirui
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About the Author: Jared Kirui
Jared is an experienced financial journalist passionate about all things forex and CFDs.
  • 2449 Articles
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