The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has appointed former SEC commissioner Kathleen Casey as its new chairwoman.

Casey has been appointed AIMA’s non-executive chairwoman for a two-year term, taking over for Todd Groome following the expiry of his term as chairman. He had been in the role at the global lobby group for hedge funds since the beginning of 2009.

Casey served as a commissioner of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2006-2011. She acted as the SEC’s principal representative in various international regulatory dialogues and fora, including the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB), and she served as chair of IOSCO’s key policymaking body, its technical committee.

“AIMA has always sought to engage in a constructive and transparent way with industry regulators globally and Kathy will help us further enhance that dialogue. In particular, we look forward to her being able to assist us in supporting the industry’s contribution to a number of very important international regulatory dialogues, for example on discussions around so-called ‘shadow banking’,” said AIMA CEO, Andrew Baker.

“There is significant new regulatory oversight of hedge funds being introduced internationally and it is important that the industry continue to work closely with regulators because we share common goals: increased financial stability and deep, vibrant and resilient markets,” said Casey.