The string of executive departures from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission continues with its top litigator the latest high-profile resignation.

The SEC said Wednesday that David Kornblau, chief litigation counsel of the division of enforcement, will leave the commission in August to become head of regulatory affairs for Merrill Lynch in New York. Kornblau joined the enforcement division as a trial attorney in 1995 and has served as chief litigation counsel since 2000. At Merrill Lynch, he will oversee the company’s response to inquiries by securities regulators and law enforcement authorities worldwide.

A trio of executives recently announced plans to follow outgoing chairman, William Donaldson, in leaving the SEC. Peter Derby, managing executive for operations and management, said he intends to leave the commission at the end of July to explore options in both the private and public sectors. Matthew Well, director of the office of public affairs, intends to depart this week to pursue opportunities in the private sector. And Joseph Hall, managing executive for policy and a member of Donaldson’s senior management team, will leave the commission to join the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York.

As chief litigation counsel, Kornblau led the enforcement division’s nationwide litigation program during a period of numerous corporate scandals and heightened enforcement activity, including cases against Enron, WorldCom, Arthur Andersen, Wall Street research analysts, KPMG, Ernst & Young, and various mutual funds. Kornblau expanded the Washington trial unit by over 50% and created a seven-person collections unit, which has improved the tracking, collection and distribution of SEC monetary recoveries. He also handled special assignments in cases against Halliburton Company, Hollinger International, HealthSouth Corporation, and Martha Stewart.