KKR Real Estate Finance Trust (KREF) General Counsel plans to resign with transition period

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. reported that its General Counsel and Secretary, Kelly Galligan, has informed the company of her intention to resign. She serves as the chief legal officer and corporate secretary, so this change affects the leadership of the legal and governance function rather than the company’s day-to-day lending or investment operations.

The company stated that Ms. Galligan has agreed to remain for a transition period to help hand over her responsibilities. This planned transition is intended to provide continuity while the company manages this leadership change.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 5, 2026

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland		001-38082		47-2009094
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

	30 Hudson Yards,	Suite 7500
	New York,	New York		10001
	(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 750-8300

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

	Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
	Common stock, par value $0.01 per share		KREF		New York Stock Exchange
	6.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share		KREF PRA		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers.

On January 5, 2026, Kelly Galligan, General Counsel and Secretary of KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (the “Company”), informed the Company of her intention to resign from the Company.  Ms. Galligan has agreed to remain with the Company for a transition period to assist in the transition of her responsibilities.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc.
	By:	/s/ W. Patrick Mattson
		Name: W. Patrick Mattson
		Title: President and Chief Operating Officer
Date: January 9, 2026

FAQ

What leadership change did KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (KREF) disclose?

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. disclosed that Kelly Galligan, its General Counsel and Secretary, has informed the company of her intention to resign.

What is Kelly Galligan’s role at KREF?

Kelly Galligan serves as the company’s General Counsel and Secretary, overseeing legal matters and corporate governance responsibilities.

Is Kelly Galligan leaving KREF immediately?

No. The company stated that Ms. Galligan has agreed to remain for a transition period to assist in the handover of her responsibilities.

Does the filing say why KREF’s General Counsel is resigning?

The content only states that Kelly Galligan informed the company of her intention to resign; it does not provide a reason.

What type of SEC filing did KREF use for this disclosure?

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. used a current report, filed on Form 8-K, to disclose the planned resignation of its General Counsel and Secretary.

Does the filing mention any changes to KREF’s financial results?

No. The disclosure focuses on the planned resignation of the General Counsel and Secretary and does not discuss financial results.