Birdthistle to Leave SEC March 8

Yesterday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that William Birdthistle, the Director of the Division of Investment Management, will vacate his position effective March 8. In a press release, Director Birdthistle stated “Serving at the Securities and Exchange Commission has been the highest honor of my professional career, and I’m tremendously grateful for the inspiration and example set by my dedicated colleagues in the Division of Investment Management.” SEC Chair Gary Gensler stated “William has overseen our work to strengthen oversight of investment companies and investment advisers – from data reporting to fund names to money market reforms.” Under Director Birdthistle’s tenure, the Commission finalized rules concerning money market fund reforms, tailored shareholder reports, and revisions to the fund Names Rule. According the press release, Director Birdthistle “will rejoin academia.” Prior to joining the Commission, Director Birdthistle was on the faculty at the Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Natasha Vij Greiner, currently the Deputy Director of the Division of Examinations, will be named Director of the Division of Investment Management after Director Birdthistle’s departure. The press release notes that she is also the “National Associate Director of the Investment Adviser/Investment Company (IA/IC) examination program, which includes the Private Funds Unit, and is the Associate Director of the Home Office IA/IC examination program.”

Click here to view the SEC’s press release covering Director Birdthistle’s departure.