The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) hired Peter Bresnan as senior advisor in the Division of Enforcement and Investigations, effective July 10.
Bresnan brings extensive experience in regulatory and enforcement matters to the PCAOB, including a stint as deputy director of the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
“Peter’s career in public service and the private sector has been outstanding,” Claudius Modesti, PCAOB director of enforcement and investigations, said. “His considerable experience and wise counsel will be a great addition to our efforts in advancing investor protection.”
Most recently, Bresnan was 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, Bresnan served for 12 years at the SEC including time as deputy director, Division of Enforcement. At the SEC, 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.
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,” Bresnan said. “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.”
Bresnan earned a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A. from Kenyon College.