SEC Investment Management Director Steps Down
William Birdthistle will be replaced by Natasha Vij Greiner, a deputy director in the Division of Examinations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday that William Birdthistle, director of the Division of Investment Management, will depart the agency, effective March 8. He will be replaced by Natasha Vij Greiner, who currently serves as deputy director of the Division of Examinations.
The IM Division oversees regulatory policy for investment advisors and investment companies, including mutual funds and other investment products and services relied upon by retail investors.
SEC Chairman Gary Gensler said Wednesday in a statement that “William has overseen our work to strengthen oversight of investment companies and investment advisers — from data reporting to fund names to money market reforms. These reforms will help American investors save for homes, college, and retirement.”
Gensler added, “I thank Natasha for taking on this new role as Division Director. Natasha brings deep and broad expertise to the Division, both having led the agency’s Investment Adviser/Investment Company examination program and having served in other key leadership roles over her more than two decades at the SEC.”
Birdthistle joined the SEC in December 2021, overseeing the adoption of major rulemakings related to private fund advisors and their reporting on Form PF, as well as to public funds, including money market fund reforms, tailored shareholder reports and revisions to the Names Rule for funds.
He also inaugurated the SEC’s annual Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management.