SEC Names Paul Knight Chief Operating Officer

• Paul Knight has been named Chief Operating Officer of the SEC.
• The appointment was announced via SEC Press Release 2026-62 on July 6, 2026.
• Knight previously spent nearly 12 years at JPMorgan Chase.
• He previously served at the SEC from 2008 to 2012.
• Charlene Arietti Gold had served as Acting COO before Knight's appointment.

Knight Returns to SEC After Career at JPMorgan

The Securities and Exchange Commission said Paul Knight has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the agency, with the news detailed in Press Release 2026-62 dated July 6, 2026.

SEC Names Paul Knight Chief Operating Officer

I am delighted to welcome Paul Knight back to the SEC. His experience — both inside and outside of the Commission — makes him well-equipped to lead a dedicated group of public servants who play a critical role in protecting investors and strengthening our capital markets.

— Paul S. Atkins, SEC Chairman

Career Background

Knight started his career during his college years working for a small business in his hometown of Annapolis, Maryland.

At JPMorgan Chase, Knight spent nearly 12 years with the firm, most recently serving as principal lead for driving growth across U.S. lines of business. Earlier in his tenure there, he managed the program office for the Chase Bank expansion into 25 new states.

Between his two stints at the SEC, Knight served as senior advisor and business manager at the U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2012 to 2014.

Prior SEC Service

Knight previously served at the SEC from 2008 to 2012, including a role as interim managing executive for the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis.

It’s an honor to come back and join the professional staff at the SEC as we support the work of the Commission.

— Paul Knight

New Responsibilities

As Chief Operating Officer, Knight will oversee the Office of Human Resources; Office of Acquisitions; Office of Financial Management; EDGAR Business Office; Office of the Chief Data Officer; Office of the Chief Risk Officer, and Office of Support Operations. According to the SEC's announcement, the Office of Support Operations includes Freedom of Information Act, Records Management, and Facilities Management functions.

Charlene Arietti Gold had served as Acting COO.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
• Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School.
• Certificate in Commercial Real Estate from Cornell University.