The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board today announced that Peter H. Bresnan will join the Division of Enforcement and Investigations as Senior Advisor to the Director, effective July 10.
Mr. Bresnan brings to the PCAOB extensive experience in regulatory and enforcement matters, including as Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Peter's career in public service and the private sector has been outstanding," said Claudius B. Modesti, PCAOB Director of Enforcement and Investigations. "His considerable experience and wise counsel will be a great addition to our efforts in advancing investor protection."
Mr. Bresnan was recently a litigation partner at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where he represented clients in a wide range of business, regulatory, and corporate governance matters, including representing corporations and individuals in SEC and other regulatory enforcement proceedings. He also conducted internal investigations for management and boards of directors and advised clients on SEC reporting, disclosure, compliance, and governance requirements.
Prior to private practice, Mr. Bresnan served for 12 years at the SEC. He concluded his tenure as Deputy Director, Division of Enforcement. At the SEC, Mr. Bresnan led major enforcement actions, including serving as the lead trial counsel in the SEC's case against WorldCom, one of the accounting scandals that prompted Congress to establish the PCAOB.
Mr. Bresnan also served as Acting District Administrator for the SEC's Boston office, where his responsibilities included oversight of the office enforcement program and its examinations of brokerage firms and investment advisors through the SEC's exam program. In addition, he was Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel, sharing responsibility for managing the SEC's nationwide litigation program.
"I am honored to have been chosen as Senior Advisor to the Director," said Mr. Bresnan. "I look forward to working with Claudius and the entire enforcement team to further the PCAOB's mission to deter auditor misconduct and protect investors."
Mr. Bresnan earned a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from Kenyon College.
The PCAOB oversees auditors' compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, professional standards, and PCAOB and Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Further information about the PCAOB Division of Enforcement and Investigations is available on the PCAOB website.
Firms or individuals wishing to report suspected misconduct by auditors, or to self-report possible misconduct, may visit the PCAOB Tip & Referral Center.