It was in mid-April that Stephen Cutler announced that he would be leaving his post at the SEC. This past week that securities administration announced his replacement - Linda Chatman Thomsen will be assuming the Directorship of the Division of Enforcement.

The SEC announcement can be seen here. With thanks to Securities Litigation Watch for the link.

Thomsen's appointment is considered to indicate that the SEC will continue the aggressive enforcement posture that businesses have come to expect from the agency over the last few years.

Thomsen will also be the first woman to hold the position. She previously served as Deputy Enforcement Director.

USA Today ran a profile of Thomsen on the occasion of her appointment. Accompanying the article was this brief vitae:

• Title: Director of the Division of Enforcement, Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Education: Smith College, A.B.; Harvard University, J.D.

• Career with SEC: 1995, assistant chief litigation counsel, SEC; 1997, assistant director of the Division of Enforcement, SEC; 2000, associate director of the Division of Enforcement; 2002, deputy director of the of the Division of Enforcement.

• Career prior to joining SEC: Davis Polk & Wardwell law firm in Washington, D.C., and New York; Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.

Congrats Linda...

-- MDT