The SEC has named David Woodcock as Director of the Division of Enforcement, signaling a continued shift in how the regulator pursues misconduct across financial markets.
Woodcock, currently a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, will officially step into the role on May 4, overseeing a team of more than 1,000 enforcement professionals. Acting director Sam Waldon will remain in place until then.
The appointment marks a return to the agency for Woodcock, who previously led the SEC’s Fort Worth regional office from 2011 to 2015. During that time, he supervised investigations spanning key areas of securities enforcement and launched a task force aimed at uncovering accounting and financial reporting violations.
“The Division of Enforcement has undergone a significant course correction, restoring Congressional intent by prioritizing cases that provide meaningful investor protection and strengthen market integrity,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. “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.”
Woodcock brings a mix of regulatory, legal, and corporate experience to the position. In addition to his prior SEC tenure, he has worked as an in-house attorney at Exxon Mobil and most recently led securities enforcement work in private practice, focusing on investigations, governance, and compliance matters.
His return comes at a pivotal moment for the SEC’s enforcement program, which leadership says is being refocused on cases with the greatest impact on investors rather than volume-driven actions. Woodcock’s combination of institutional knowledge and private-sector experience is expected to play a central role as the agency continues reshaping its enforcement strategy.
A report this week revealed that total monetary remedies tied to enforcement actions reached $17.9 billion in 2025, including $10.8 billion in disgorgement and interest alongside $7.2 billion in civil penalties.
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