The Ontario Securities Commission has appointed Tom Atkinson as its new director of enforcement, the provincial securities regulator announced Friday.

Atkison joins the OSC after an extensive career in securities regulation, enforcement and litigation.

“When we commenced our search, we knew that we would be seeking an individual who is not only an experienced litigator, but also a strategic thinker. A person who has a demonstrated record of effecting change,” says OSC Chairman David Wilson. “Tom is that person. He possesses the attributes and experience necessary to lead the Enforcement Branch through the next stage of its evolution.”

Atkinson was the founding president & CEO of Market Regulation Services Inc. (RS). While at RS, he focused the organization’s culture to be results-driven. Prior to joining RS, he held progressively senior positions at the Toronto Stock Exchange, including vp, regulation services; director, investigations and enforcement division; chief counsel, investigations and enforcement division; and enforcement counsel, investigations and enforcement division. From 1993 to 1996, Atkinson was an assistant crown attorney in Ontario and litigated numerous criminal matters. He has an LLB from the University of Windsor and a Masters in Public Policy and Public Administration from McMaster University. He was called to the Bar in 1993.

“We are pleased to have someone of Tom’s calibre joining the OSC and its dynamic Enforcement team,” says Executive Director Peggy Dowdall-Logie. “His considerable experience and knowledge will be tremendous assets not only to Enforcement, but to the OSC overall.”

“I am really looking forward to working with the Enforcement team and accessing the talent pool in the Enforcement Branch,” says Atkinson. “The fast paced environment of enforcement definitely means that I will hit the ground running.”

Atkinson will join the commission on Feb. 9. He replaces Michael Watson who joined the RCMP Integrated Market Enforcement Program in September 2008.