Zinnia CEO and Chair Michele Trogni Announces Retirement

Board Appoints George Esposito as CEO, Ash Sawhney as President

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zinnia, a leading life and annuity technology company (“the Company”), today announced that Michele Trogni has announced her retirement from her role as Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Company. Michele will serve as a Senior Advisor to Eldridge Industries (Zinnia’s parent company) and its affiliates, including Zinnia, through at least 2027. In this capacity she will continue to contribute strategic guidance to Eldridge Industries, Zinnia’s Board, and the Company, as Zinnia advances its mission to modernize and connect the insurance industry.

For more than 25 years, Michele has held global leadership roles positioned at the intersection of financial services and technology transformation. Throughout her career, Michele has focused on solving complex challenges through platform and data thinking with standards-led execution. At Zinnia, she has helped lead the evolution of the life and annuities industry, streamlining end-to-end digital rails that connect carriers, distributors, advisors, and consumers.

“It has been a privilege to lead this exceptional organization and to witness Zinnia’s remarkable growth over the last several years,” said Michele Trogni. “Zinnia’s vision to modernize the rails of the insurance industry has created better outcomes for all stakeholders across every phase of the life and annuity process. I have great confidence that George and Ash are the right leaders to continue to guide the Company into its next phase of success.”

“We are grateful for Michele’s leadership over the last five years,” said Tony Minella, Co-founder of Eldridge Industries and Zinnia Board member. “George and Ash bring a deep understanding of the business and a proven track record of delivering growth and innovation. The Board looks forward to working with them in their new roles.”

George Esposito, currently Executive Vice President and Head of Insurance Platforms at Zinnia, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Since joining in 2021, Esposito has been instrumental in the Company’s transformational acquisitions and financings, including Ebix and Policygenius. He has also played a pivotal role in deepening the Company’s partnerships with insurers, distributors, and financial professionals. Esposito previously served as President, COO, and General Counsel of Everly Life Insurance Company.

“Zinnia is at a dynamic stage in its growth as our platform continues to scale across the industry,” said George Esposito. “We have an exceptional team in place who are steadfast in our commitment to clients and partners. I look forward to leading them as we expand on our capabilities, accelerate innovation, and invest in products that simplify insurance.”

As part of today’s announcement, Ash Sawhney has been appointed President and will continue in his current role as Chief Revenue Officer. Sawhney has been at the forefront of insurance technology for decades having previously served as President of Insurance Solutions North America at Ebix, co-founded PlanetSoft, and held senior roles at Sun Life and State Street.

About Zinnia

Zinnia, an Eldridge Industries business, simplifies L&A insurance by delivering comprehensive technology solutions for the industry's most critical needs. Zinnia enables carriers and distributors to build, sell, and service insurance, ultimately helping more people get the coverage they need and the service they deserve. Zinnia is also backed by funds managed by KKR and Vista Credit Partners, leading global investment firms. To learn more about Zinnia, please visit zinnia.com.