WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Korn Ferry’s Board & CEO Services Practice today announced the appointment of Robert W. Cook as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). At the direction of FINRA, Korn Ferry led the Board of Governors in their CEO search, tapping the former SEC Director of Trading and Markets to succeed Richard Ketchum, who served as Chairman and CEO since 2009.

Mr. Cook will join FINRA in the second half of 2016 from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he has served as a partner in the firm’s Washington, DC, office since June 2013. Prior to Clearly Gottlieb, Mr. Cook served as the Director of the Division of Trading and Markets (Division) of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2010 to 2013.

“Mr. Cook led the Trading and Markets Division during a pivotal time at the SEC. This leadership, along with his tenure with Clearly Gottlieb makes him uniquely qualified to lead FINRA—focusing on the protection of investors,” said Nels Olson, Vice Chairman and Co-Leader of Korn Ferry’s Board & CEO Services Practice. “Our practice at Korn Ferry helps companies holistically navigate and resolve challenges unique at the top to maximize effectiveness, and design, build, and lead a high-performing organization.”

“I am honored to join FINRA as CEO, and to have the opportunity to work alongside FINRA’s talented and dedicated staff in the critical role of protecting investors, as well as ensuring fair and orderly financial markets,” said Mr. Cook. “I look forward to building on Rick’s many years of excellent work and collaborating with FINRA’s Board, members, and other stakeholders to strengthen investor protections, promote market integrity, and enhance FINRA’s core competencies of examinations, enforcement, rulemaking, market transparency, and market surveillance.”

About Korn Ferry and its Board and CEO Services Practice

Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) is the preeminent global people and organizational advisory firm. We help leaders, organizations, and societies succeed by releasing the full power and potential of people. Korn Ferry’s Board and CEO Services Practice help companies holistically navigate and resolve challenges unique at the top to empower you to maximize effectiveness, and design, build, and lead a high-performing organization. Our nearly 7,000 colleagues deliver services through our Executive Search, Hay Group, and Futurestep divisions. Visit www.kornferry.com for more information on Korn Ferry, andwww.kornferryinstitute.com for thought leadership, intellectual property, and research.