SEC Announces Retirement of Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson

USA: SEC Announces Retirement of Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on Sept. 24, 2025 that Ken Johnson, who has served as the agency’s chief operating officer since Dec. 2017, will retire effective Dec. 2025.

Leadership Transition

Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised Johnson’s more than two‑decade tenure, describing him as an “integral leader” who has served the agency and the country with “ultimate integrity.” Johnson, in turn, thanked the Chairman, Commissioners, and colleagues, calling his service “the honor of a lifetime.”

Career Background

Before becoming COO, Johnson was the SEC’s chief financial officer from 2010 to 2017 and served as a management analyst and chief management analyst between 2003 and 2010. He joined the SEC in 2003 after working at the Congressional Budget Office.

COO Responsibilities

As COO, Johnson oversaw the agency’s operational and administrative functions, including the Offices of Human Resources, Acquisitions, Financial Management, Information Technology, the EDGAR Business Office, the Chief Data Officer, and Support Operations, which manage Freedom of Information Act requests, records management, and facilities.

Education

Johnson earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Future Outlook

The SEC indicated that internal processes will ensure a smooth transition and continued support for its critical investor‑protection and market‑oversight missions.

This report is based on information from SEC, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.