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MFA Financial, Inc. Announces CEO Succession Plan and Senior Leadership Appointment

Business Wire•08/10/2026•16:15 ET
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Key Highlights

  • ➤Craig Knutson to retire as CEO effective June 30, 2027, remaining on MFA’s board
  • ➤Bryan Wulfsohn to become CEO effective July 1, 2027, after 16 years at MFA
  • ➤Andrew Kail appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer effective January 1, 2027
  • ➤Wulfsohn to join MFA’s board January 1, 2027, expanding it to eight directors

Expert Statements

Laurie Goodman, Chair of the Board, MFA Financial, Inc.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire MFA team, I would like to thank Craig for his contributions to MFA and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. The Board is deeply grateful to Craig for his leadership of MFA since joining the Company in 2008 and in particular during the past nine years as CEO, and we are pleased that we will continue to benefit from his insights as a director following his retirement. We also are thrilled to announce Bryan’s appointment as CEO. His appointment is the culmination of a robust succession planning process and reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership, intellect and strategic vision for the Company.”

Craig L. Knutson, Chief Executive Officer, MFA Financial, Inc.

“It has been a privilege working at MFA for the past 18 years and leading the Company for the past nine years. I look forward to continuing to serve as a member of the Board and working with Bryan, my fellow directors and the MFA management team in the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition. I have worked with Bryan for over 20 years, and I will retire knowing that MFA is in good hands with him at the helm and am eager to see the Company thrive in the years ahead under Bryan’s leadership.”

Bryan Wulfsohn, President and Chief Investment Officer, MFA Financial, Inc.

“I’m honored to be selected as the next CEO of MFA, and I appreciate the Board’s confidence in me for this role. I am grateful to Craig for his mentorship and partnership over the years, and I look forward to leading a team whose expertise and commitment I know firsthand. I’m excited for the future of the business and the opportunity to deliver strong returns for our stockholders.”

Bryan Wulfsohn, President and Chief Investment Officer, MFA Financial, Inc.

“Craig and I have known Andrew for over 15 years, and he brings a wealth of skills, experiences and relationships to MFA from his decades working in the mortgage finance industry on both the sell side and the buy side, including in asset management and operational roles. We are excited to welcome him to MFA.”

MFA Financial, Inc. Announces CEO Succession Plan and Senior Leadership Appointment

Craig Knutson to Retire as Chief Executive Officer Effective June 30, 2027; Will Remain on the Board of Directors Following Retirement

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