Leadership | Knighthead Life

Meet the Knighthead Life Leadership Team.

Anchored in deep experience and breadth of insurance expertise, our executive officers are committed to our mission of delivering innovative solutions that rechart the course to retirement security.

Edward P. Massaro

CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Knighthead Insurance Group (2022 – Present)
Former Partner, COO & Head of Business Development, Knighthead Capital Management (2009 – 2021)

Edward Massaro is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in investment management, capital markets, and business development. As CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Knighthead Insurance Group, he oversees strategic investment initiatives and operational leadership for insurance products and assets. Previously, he played a pivotal role in building Knighthead Capital Management, driving business strategy, fund raising, and investor relations while spearheading the launch of Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company in 2014.

Throughout his career, Edward has developed a vast global network of investors, raising over $5 billion for hedge fund products and $1 billion for direct lending real estate strategies. His leadership spans major financial institutions, including HSBC Securities, RBS Greenwich Capital, UBS Investment Bank, and Solomon Smith Barney, where he specialized in leveraged finance, high-yield securities, and institutional investment strategies.

Mr. Massaro holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School of Business and a BA in Chemical Engineering from Yale University.

Corey Liebman

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Actuary

Corey is Chief Financial Officer and Chief Actuary of Knighthead Life. He was previously a Managing Director at 26North Partners focusing on (re)insurance M&A transactions, served as Chief Financial Officer at A-CAP, and completed multiple life and annuity rotations in New York Life’s actuarial training program. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Member of the Academy of Actuaries (MAAA) and received a BBA in Finance, Accounting, and Economics from Emory University.

Michael Brandriet

Chief Distribution Officer

Michael is Head of Distribution at Knighthead Life and has over 30 years of experience in the life, annuity, and retirement industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in recruiting and building talented sales teams, strategic planning, and P&L budget management. Previously, Michael served as Chief Distribution Officer for American Equity Life, President of Allianz Life Financial Services, and as National Sales Manager for AXA/Equitable Life Insurance Company. His experience has been focused on distribution efficiency, productivity, and profitable growth. He holds several industry licenses, including Series 6, 26, and Life and Health Insurance Licenses.

Amy Pramer

Chief Marketing Officer, Chief of Staff

Amy is Chief Marketing Officer and Chief of Staff at Knighthead Life. She has over 20 years of experience in Senior Marketing and Communications roles for asset management companies including Legg Mason and Morgan Stanley, and American Skandia. Amy holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a BS from Southern Connecticut State University as well as Series 6 and 63 licenses.

Joe Evangelista

General Counsel

Joe is the General Counsel of Knighthead Life and an attorney with nearly fifteen years of legal experience with a particular focus on insurance, regulatory and compliance matters. Joe has worked at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in the Insurance practice group and held various roles across the insurance industry concentrating on establishing and building insurers, brokers, and ancillary contract providers.

Dean Hosfield

Chief Operating Officer

Dean is the Chief Operating Officer at Knighthead Life, with over 30 years of experience in the Life and Annuity industry. He has a proven track record of building organizations into market leaders and implementing modern technology to optimize customer service and operational efficiency. Previously, he led operational improvements by introducing new technology solutions at AIG, Fortitude Re and Jackson Financial. He holds an MBA and an MS in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

John Jevin

Head of IT

John is Head of IT at Knighthead Life. He has over 35 years of insurance industry experience with CVS Health, Aetna, Genworth Financial, First Colony Life Insurance, Bankers National Life, American Independent Insurance Company, United Systems & Software and Professional Data Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University.

Richie Elslager

Head of Operations

Richie is Head of Operations of Knighthead Life and has over 25 years of insurance industry experience at Equitable, TIAA, and Brighthouse Financial for both New Business and In-Force operations. Richie was most recently the Director of Operations with Brighthouse Financial where he was responsible for establishing processes, controls, improvements and oversights that resulted in a successful TPA implementation.

Looking forward starts now.

Contact Us

Meet the Knighthead Life Leadership Team.

Edward P. Massaro

Corey Liebman

Michael Brandriet

Amy Pramer

Joe Evangelista

Dean Hosfield

John Jevin

Richie Elslager

Looking forward starts now.

Retirement, recharted.

THE KNIGHTHEAD FAMILY OF BRANDS:

Meet the Knighthead Life Leadership Team.

Edward P. Massaro​

Corey Liebman

Michael Brandriet

Amy Pramer

Joe Evangelista​

Dean Hosfield​

John Jevin

Richie Elslager

Looking forward starts now.

Edward P. Massaro

Joe Evangelista

Dean Hosfield