Ellington Financial Inc. announced that Dr. Ronald I. Simon, an Independent Director of the Company since 2007, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors (the "Board"). Dr. Simon replaces Thomas F. Robards, who is stepping down from his role as Chairman and remains on the Board as an Independent Director. In addition, Stephen J. Dannhauser, the former chairman of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, has been appointed to the Board as an Independent Director, effective immediately. Prior to joining the Board, Mr. Dannhauser worked at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP from 1975 until 2012.