Career moves

Law firm Mayer Brown hired Lawrence Berkovich, a former counsel at Dechert, as a partner in the firm's banking and finance practice.

Cantor Fitzgerald said today it has added four structured credit professionals and is planning expand the business to underwrite new collateralized loan obligations in the U.S. and Europe.

Brent Lewis has joined Hunton & Williams' structured finance and securitization practice as counsel in New York.

The Structured Finance Industry Group’s first executive director comes from the ranks of an issuer: Richard Johns, a managing director and head of global funding and liquidity at Ally Financial.

New Oak Capital on Monday announced its new Mortgage Credit Service business that will be based in Danbury, CT.

Lawrence Ceriello has joined Morrison & Foerster’s real estate finance group in New York as a partner.

Fitch Ratings today announced that Andrew Smitiuch will head its Canadian Business.

Palmer Square Capital Management, an investment management firm that provides portfolios of structured credit, collateralized loan obligations and hedge fund strategies, has added Jeffrey Fox as executive director.

Sabal Financial Group expanded its commercial mortgage-backed securities business with the launch of a transaction support services division called Sabal Commercial Advisors.

Standard & Poor’s has named Jim Wiemken as senior managing director and global head of structured finance, according to an internal memo.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority named Jonathan Sokobin as its chief economist and senior vice president.

Stephen Mathews took the role of managing director of GC Securities, the firm said today in a press release. He is based in New York.

David Akre is the new managing director at Oak Circle Capital Partners, where he will develop opportunities in in non-agency RMBS investments, securitization and origination.

Everbank Commercial Finance it tapped Mike Foster as a business development manager for its growing healthcare group.

Aspen Reinsurance launched Aspen Capital Markets and appointed Brian Tobben managing director of the newly created unit, according to a company press release.

Franklin Templeton Investments announced that David Zahn has been promoted to Head of European Fixed Income.

The Structured Finance Industry Group has 55 members and counting. The new trade organization’s website now has a link to all of those who have joined the group.

Paul Jenison has joined Finacity Corporation as part of the firm’s effort to expand its business of securitizing and funding consumer receivables.