KANSAS CITY - BATS Global Markets Inc. said its board of directors has elected former regulator Paul Atkins as non-executive chairman.

Atkins was a commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2002-2008.

"During his time at the SEC, he developed a reputation as a leading advocate for intelligent solutions to securities industry issues affecting markets and investors," BATS said in a statement.

More recently, he has been chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a Washington-based consultancy that advises clients on financial regulatory compliance, risk and strategy.

"His unique experience and perspectives on the industry make him a great fit for the board of our growing company," said BATS Global CEO Joe Ratterman.

Mr. Atkins added, "Joe has built a strong company that is a market leader in the United States and Europe. I have great respect for his effective leadership of BATS during the past five years and I look forward to working with him as he continues to lead the company as president and CEO."

Atkins served as a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP from 2009-2010. He began his professional career as a securities lawyer in New York and Paris, France, and was later a partner at a Big Four accounting firm, where he developed a national regulatory compliance practice serving securities and investment management firms.

Earlier this year, as part of an enhanced corporate governance structure, BATS Global Markets announced that the board would separate the roles of chairman and CEO, dual roles which Mr. Ratterman had held since June 2007.