TriNet
TriNet Group, Inc. is a [professional employer organization](/page/Professional_employer_organization) (PEO) headquartered in the [San Francisco Bay Area](/page/San_Francisco_Bay_Area) that delivers comprehensive [human resources](/page/Human_resources) solutions, including [payroll](/page/Payroll) processing, [employee benefits](/page/Employee_benefits) administration, [risk management](/page/Risk_management), and strategic [HR](/page/HR) consulting, primarily to small and medium-sized businesses ([SMB](/page/SMB)s) across various industries in the United States.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) Founded in 1988, the company has over 30 years of experience supporting SMB growth through a combination of expert guidance, advanced [technology](/page/Technology) platforms, and co-employment services that allow clients to leverage [economies of scale](/page/Economies_of_scale) for competitive benefits and compliance.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) As of September 30, 2025, TriNet serves approximately 332,000 worksite employees and processed $73 billion in [payroll](/page/Payroll) during 2024, reflecting its significant scale in the [HR](/page/HR) outsourcing sector.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) The firm is publicly traded on the [New York Stock Exchange](/page/New_York_Stock_Exchange) under the [ticker symbol](/page/Ticker_symbol) TNET and holds accreditations such as ESAC certification since 1995 and IRS Certified PEO status, underscoring its commitment to reliability and industry standards.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) TriNet's services are tailored by industry verticals, including [technology](/page/Technology), [professional services](/page/Professional_services), [manufacturing](/page/Manufacturing), and life sciences, enabling SMBs to focus on core operations while [outsourcing](/page/Outsourcing) complex [HR](/page/HR) functions.[](https://investor.trinet.com/investor-relations/default.aspx)
TriNet Group, Inc. is a [professional employer organization](/page/Professional_employer_organization) (PEO) headquartered in the [San Francisco Bay Area](/page/San_Francisco_Bay_Area) that delivers comprehensive [human resources](/page/Human_resources) solutions, including [payroll](/page/Payroll) processing, [employee benefits](/page/Employee_benefits) administration, [risk management](/page/Risk_management), and strategic [HR](/page/HR) consulting, primarily to small and medium-sized businesses ([SMB](/page/SMB)s) across various industries in the United States.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) Founded in 1988, the company has over 30 years of experience supporting SMB growth through a combination of expert guidance, advanced [technology](/page/Technology) platforms, and co-employment services that allow clients to leverage [economies of scale](/page/Economies_of_scale) for competitive benefits and compliance.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) As of September 30, 2025, TriNet serves approximately 332,000 worksite employees and processed $73 billion in [payroll](/page/Payroll) during 2024, reflecting its significant scale in the [HR](/page/HR) outsourcing sector.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) The firm is publicly traded on the [New York Stock Exchange](/page/New_York_Stock_Exchange) under the [ticker symbol](/page/Ticker_symbol) TNET and holds accreditations such as ESAC certification since 1995 and IRS Certified PEO status, underscoring its commitment to reliability and industry standards.[](https://www.trinet.com/about-us) TriNet's services are tailored by industry verticals, including [technology](/page/Technology), [professional services](/page/Professional_services), [manufacturing](/page/Manufacturing), and life sciences, enabling SMBs to focus on core operations while [outsourcing](/page/Outsourcing) complex [HR](/page/HR) functions.[](https://investor.trinet.com/investor-relations/default.aspx)
Overview
Corporate profile
TriNet Group, Inc. is a publicly traded professional employer organization (PEO) that provides human capital management solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United States.[1] Founded in 1988 by Martin Babinec in San Leandro, California, the company has since relocated its headquarters to One Park Place, Suite 600, in Dublin, California.[2][3] As a PEO, TriNet operates under a co-employment model, where it serves as the employer of record or co-employer for client worksite employees, handling administrative HR responsibilities while SMB clients retain control over day-to-day operations and strategic decisions.[4]
The company's core mission is to empower the growth and success of SMBs by delivering comprehensive HR solutions that enable businesses to focus on their core operations.[5] These solutions encompass payroll processing, which totaled $73 billion in 2024, benefits administration, risk management, compliance support, and HR consulting services.[5] TriNet's offerings are designed to provide SMBs with access to enterprise-level HR capabilities, leveraging economies of scale to secure competitive benefits and ensure regulatory adherence.[4]
At scale, TriNet serves approximately 332,000 worksite employees as of September 30, 2025, supporting a diverse client base across various industries.[5] The company maintains longstanding accreditations, including Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) certification since 1995, which verifies its financial stability and operational integrity, and IRS Certified PEO status for a key subsidiary, affirming its compliance with federal standards.[6] TriNet also operates subsidiaries such as TriNet Zenefits, which enhances its HR technology platform with integrated software for payroll, benefits, and employee management.[4]
Leadership
Mike Simonds serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of TriNet, having been appointed to the role in February 2024.[5] Prior to joining TriNet, Simonds was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Unum Group, where he gained extensive experience in HR technology and operational leadership across insurance and employee benefits sectors.[7] Under his leadership, TriNet continues to emphasize innovation in HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
Burton M. Goldfield held the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer from 2008 to 2024, during which he oversaw the company's initial public offering in 2014 and significant expansion in professional employer organization services.[7] Following his retirement from the CEO role, Goldfield served as a special advisor to the company through March 31, 2025, providing continuity during the leadership transition.[7]
Catherine Wragg has been Chief People Officer since joining TriNet in 2017, where she leads internal human resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, and diversity initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace culture.[5] Her efforts have focused on aligning HR practices with TriNet's commitment to employee well-being and organizational growth.
Kelly Tuminelli has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2020, bringing over 30 years of experience in financial management from roles at Genworth Financial to support TriNet's fiscal strategy and reporting; she will transition to a special advisor role on November 28, 2025, with Mala Murthy succeeding her as CFO.[5][8]
For marketing and innovation, Michael Mendenhall was Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from March 2018 until July 2025, during which he drove brand campaigns and integrated AI into marketing operations to enhance customer outreach and technological adaptability.[9] Complementing this, Jay Venkat, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Products, and Transformation since 2023, contributes to innovation by leading digital transformation efforts drawing from his over 20 years at Boston Consulting Group.[5] Other key executives include Jeff Hayward, Chief Technology Officer, and Shea Treadway, Chief Revenue Officer since 2024.[5]
TriNet's board of directors comprises 11 members as of 2025, with a majority being independent directors to ensure objective oversight.[10] David C. Hodgson has served as independent Chairman since 2018, separating the chair and CEO roles to promote balanced governance.[11] The board maintains four standing committees: the Finance and Audit Committee, which oversees financial reporting and internal controls; the Compensation and Human Capital Management Committee, responsible for executive pay and talent strategies; the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, focused on director nominations and ethical standards; and the Risk Committee, addressing enterprise risks including cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.[12] Recent additions, such as independent directors Janet Kennedy and Madhu Ranganathan in September 2025, bring expertise in technology and finance to strengthen strategic guidance.[13]
History
Founding and early years
TriNet was founded in 1988 by Martin Babinec in San Leandro, California, as a provider of human resources outsourcing services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).[14][2] Initially, the company focused on addressing key HR challenges for growing businesses by offering basic employee benefits such as dental coverage, life and disability insurance, along with employment law guidance to ensure compliance.[15] This foundational approach emphasized practical support for SMBs lacking the resources to manage these functions in-house, establishing TriNet as an early innovator in the professional employer organization (PEO) space.[5]
During the 1990s, TriNet experienced organic expansion through its concentration on HR outsourcing, particularly for SMBs navigating regulatory complexities and benefits administration.[5] The company's rapid growth earned it recognition on Inc. magazine's list of fastest-growing private companies multiple times, culminating in induction into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame in 1999 after five consecutive appearances (ranked 12th in 1995, 79th in 1996, 166th in 1997, 319th in 1998, and 381st in 1999).[16] This period solidified TriNet's reputation for scalable HR solutions, with a key milestone being its accreditation by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) in 1995, affirming its commitment to financial responsibility and operational standards in the PEO industry.[17]
A core element of TriNet's early development was the refinement of its PEO model, which relied on co-employment arrangements to pool SMB clients for better access to comprehensive benefits and enhanced compliance support.[15] By entering into co-employment agreements, TriNet assumed joint responsibility for employment-related obligations, allowing client businesses to focus on core operations while mitigating risks associated with HR administration.[18] This model, honed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, positioned TriNet as a leader in providing cost-effective, compliant HR services to underserved SMBs across various industries.[5]
Expansion and public listing
During the mid-2000s to early 2010s, TriNet experienced significant organic revenue growth, expanding from $1.0 billion in 2012 to $2.2 billion in 2014, driven by an increase in worksite employees from approximately 174,000 to 288,000 over the same period.[19] This expansion was supported by investments in technology integration, including $125.5 million committed from 2010 to 2014 to develop a proprietary cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for HR functions such as payroll processing and benefits administration.[20] The platform enabled real-time data management and scalability for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), enhancing service delivery across all 50 U.S. states and Canada by the end of 2014.[19]
In March 2014, TriNet completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TNET, pricing 15 million shares at $16 each and raising approximately $240 million in gross proceeds.[21] The capital from the IPO was primarily used to repay $216.6 million in outstanding debt under existing credit facilities, while also funding national expansion initiatives and enhancements to HR technology platforms.[19] This public listing marked a pivotal transition, providing resources to accelerate growth in the SMB sector, where TriNet positioned itself as a leader in outsourced HR solutions.[22]
Following the IPO, TriNet's employee base grew from 1,783 in 2013 to 2,900 by 2019, reflecting scaled operations to support an expanding client footprint.[23] The company strategically emphasized cloud-based HR solutions, integrating mobile and online tools for employee lifecycle management, which solidified its dominance in the SMB market by enabling efficient, compliant services for over 300,000 worksite employees annually during this period.[24] This shift allowed TriNet to prioritize technological innovation over traditional models, fostering sustained scalability in HR outsourcing.[24]
Business operations
Core services
TriNet's core services revolve around its Professional Employer Organization (PEO) model and its Administrative Services Organization (ASO) offering, known as HR Plus, both designed to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with human resources functions.[6][25]
The PEO service operates through a comprehensive co-employment model, where TriNet assumes responsibility as a co-employer alongside the client business, handling a wide array of HR obligations while the client retains control over core operations such as hiring and firing.[18] This includes payroll processing, which involves managing wages, taxes, deductions, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks Online, processing billions in payroll annually.[18] Health benefits administration provides SMBs access to Fortune 500-level plans, encompassing healthcare, dental, vision, and 401(k) options that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive.[18] Employment law compliance is ensured through expert guidance on federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA adherence for benefits plans.[18] Risk management encompasses workers' compensation support and strategies to mitigate employment-related liabilities.[18]
In contrast, HR Plus functions as a non-co-employment ASO, allowing businesses to remain the sole employer of record while outsourcing administrative tasks.[25] It facilitates benefits enrollment via a centralized dashboard and mobile app for open enrollment, alongside HR consulting through advisory experts and a legal hotline for compliance queries.[25] This model emphasizes flexibility for SMBs seeking targeted support without shared employer status.[25]
TriNet enhances these services with integrated technology platforms that streamline talent management, employee onboarding, and analytics.[26] The platforms support recruiting and self-service onboarding processes, enabling mobile-friendly workflows for new hires.[27] Analytics tools provide workforce insights to inform retention and decision-making.[28] Specialized support tailors these offerings for industries such as technology and professional services, addressing sector-specific HR needs.[29]
TriNet's accreditations underscore the reliability of its services: it has maintained continuous Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) accreditation since 1995, verifying financial, ethical, and operational standards, and a subsidiary holds IRS Certified PEO status, which facilitates scaled access to premium benefits.[18][5]
Market position and clients
TriNet primarily targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 2 to 250 employees, offering professional employer organization (PEO) services tailored to employee-centric organizations across diverse sectors including technology, financial services, life sciences, nonprofits, professional services, and main street industries.[4] As of 2025, the company serves more than 20,000 SMBs, with a focus on providing scalable human resources support to enhance talent attraction and retention in competitive labor markets.[30][31]
In the U.S. PEO market, TriNet holds a leading position as the largest publicly traded provider by worksite employees (WSEs), supporting approximately 332,000 WSEs as of September 30, 2025 and emphasizing nationwide coverage through integrated HR technology platforms.[32][4] Its differentiators include customizable solutions for SMBs, such as comprehensive payroll, benefits administration, and compliance tools, which enable clients to access Fortune 500-level resources without in-house overhead.[4]
TriNet competes with major players like ADP TotalSource and Insperity in the PEO space, where it distinguishes itself through SMB-focused innovation and high client retention driven by ongoing HR expertise and technology-driven efficiency.[4] In the third quarter of 2025, average WSEs were approximately 335,000, down 6% year-over-year.[32]
Acquisitions and divestitures
Major acquisitions
TriNet's acquisition strategy has focused on expanding its human resources (HR) outsourcing capabilities, geographic reach, and specialized services through targeted purchases of professional employer organizations (PEOs) and complementary firms. In its early years, the company pursued deals to build foundational expertise in HR consulting and payroll. For instance, in 2003, TriNet acquired the trade assets of E3 Group, a Dallas-based PEO, which enhanced its HR consulting offerings and strengthened its presence in the Southwest United States.[33] In 2007, TriNet acquired John Parry & Alexander, a human resources outsourcing and consulting firm. In 2008, it acquired LMC Resources, a human resources advisor. Three years after the E3 deal, in 2006, TriNet purchased the customer assets of The Outsource Group, a Nashville-based HR service provider, adding nearly 200 clients and bolstering its payroll processing expertise across multiple states.[34] These moves laid the groundwork for TriNet's national expansion by integrating established client bases and operational know-how. In 2012, TriNet also acquired ExpenseCloud for expense reporting and AccordHR, an Oklahoma City-based firm.
A pivotal acquisition occurred in 2009 when TriNet acquired Gevity HR, Inc., for $98 million in cash, marking one of its largest deals at the time and significantly boosting its East Coast footprint.[35] Gevity, a Florida-headquartered PEO serving over 7,000 worksite employees, brought specialized HR solutions for industries like financial services and hospitality, enabling TriNet to scale its co-employment model and achieve greater market density in the southeastern U.S.[36] Entering the 2010s, TriNet continued this growth trajectory. In 2012, it completed the acquisition of Strategic Outsourcing, Inc. (SOI), a Charlotte-based PEO, for an undisclosed amount, which was described as the largest independent PEO transaction of its era and positioned TriNet as the nation's largest independent PEO with over 100,000 worksite employees.[37] The following year, in 2013, TriNet acquired Ambrose Employer Group, LLC, a New York City-based PEO focused on high-touch services for financial and professional services firms, further solidifying its Northeast expansion and premium HR capabilities.[38]
In recent years, TriNet has shifted toward technology-driven and sector-specific acquisitions to diversify its offerings. In July 2020, it acquired Little Bird HR, a New York-based PEO specializing in benefits and HR solutions for educational institutions like charter schools, enhancing its tailored services for the nonprofit and education sectors.[39] This was followed in February 2022 by the $220 million acquisition of Zenefits, a San Francisco-based HR software platform, which expanded TriNet's administrative services organization (ASO) model and integrated advanced tools for payroll, benefits, and employee engagement to serve over 24,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).[15][40] Later that year, in September 2022, TriNet acquired Clarus R&D Solutions, LLC, for $48 million, a Columbus, Ohio-based fintech firm providing cloud-based software for R&D tax credit management, allowing TriNet to offer SMBs streamlined access to federal tax incentives.[41][42] Overall, TriNet has strategically integrated acquired technologies, client portfolios, and expertise to broaden its HR ecosystem without overlapping core operations.[43]
Key divestitures
In March 2025, TriNet completed the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, Clarus R+D Solutions LLC, to Arvo Tech, a provider of tax strategy solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).[44] The transaction transferred Clarus R+D's expert tax team, service model, and proprietary software for evaluating and preparing R&D tax credits, which TriNet had acquired in September 2022 as a fintech enhancement to its HR offerings.[45] Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.[46]
This divestiture aligned with TriNet's strategy to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on high-value HR solutions for the SMB market, including its core professional employer organization (PEO) services and the TriNet HR Plus platform.[47] By selling Clarus R+D to a specialized tax-focused entity, TriNet aimed to realize value from the business while allowing it to expand within a more aligned organization, reflecting broader portfolio optimization efforts following the integration of the Zenefits HR platform in prior years.[48]
The sale enabled TriNet to refocus resources on its primary PEO and HR Plus offerings, enhancing operational efficiency and customer support in core areas such as payroll, benefits administration, and compliance.[44] To support a seamless transition, TriNet secured a five-year agreement ensuring continued access to R&D tax credit solutions for its customers through Arvo Tech.[49] No other significant divestitures have been reported as part of this strategic refinement.
Revenue and profitability
TriNet's revenue for fiscal year 2023 totaled $4.994 billion, reflecting steady performance in its professional employer organization services. In fiscal year 2024, revenue increased by 1% to $5.053 billion, driven primarily by a 6% rise in average worksite employees (WSEs) to 352,681, supplemented by organic growth and stable client retention. Quarterly revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024 reached $1.277 billion, contributing to the annual total amid consistent demand for payroll, benefits, and HR solutions.[50]
Profitability metrics showed more variability, with net income declining to $173 million in 2024 from $375 million in 2023, a decrease attributed to higher insurance and benefit costs that compressed margins. Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 9.6% in 2024 from 14.2% the prior year, reflecting pressures from elevated health benefit expenses despite cost management efforts. Professional service revenues, a key profitability driver, grew 5% to $186 million in the second quarter of 2024, supporting overall margins through higher transaction-based fees, though full-year professional services rose only 1% to $765 million.[50][51]
Key financial drivers included record-high client retention rates, which bolstered WSE stability and recurring revenue streams. Revenue per worksite employee averaged approximately $1,194 monthly in 2024, calculated from total revenues and average WSEs, underscoring efficient scaling of services per client. Total assets expanded to $4.119 billion by the end of 2024 from $3.693 billion in 2023, providing a stronger balance sheet to support operations and growth initiatives. Organic WSE expansion of 6% was partially offset by market dynamics, with acquisitions contributing modestly to revenue diversification in prior periods.[50]
In the first nine months of fiscal year 2025 (ended September 30, 2025), TriNet reported total revenues of $3.762 billion and net income of $156 million, with average WSEs of approximately 337,000. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance of total revenues between $4.95 billion and $5.14 billion.[32]
TriNet Group, Inc. went public on March 27, 2014, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TNET, with an initial public offering of 15 million shares priced at $16.00 per share.[21] This IPO valued the company at approximately $1.31 billion at the outset.[52] Since then, TriNet's market capitalization has more than doubled, reaching about $2.68 billion as of November 7, 2025, reflecting steady growth amid expansions in its professional employer organization services.[53]
As of November 11, 2025, TriNet's stock price closed at $55.60 on November 10, marking a 1.98% increase for that day but continuing a downward trend of 13.5% over the prior four weeks.[54] The shares have traded in a 52-week range of $54.33 to $98.51, with recent volatility influenced by broader human resources industry cycles, including labor market fluctuations and healthcare cost pressures that affect demand for outsourced HR solutions.[55] This performance implies moderated growth in revenues per share, as total revenues for fiscal year 2024 reached $5.1 billion—a 1% increase year-over-year—while share count reductions from buybacks have supported per-share metrics despite economic headwinds.[50]
TriNet maintains an active investor relations strategy, including a quarterly dividend policy with a recent payout of $0.275 per share declared in September 2025, payable on October 27, 2025.[56] The company also pursues share repurchases, returning $117 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in the first half of 2025 alone.[57] Prior to these actions, TriNet's full-year 2024 revenue growth outlook anticipated 1-3% expansion, which aligned closely with the actual 1% result.[58]
A notable event in TriNet's stock history occurred in June 2023, when the company explored a potential sale amid interest from private equity firms, valuing it at nearly $7 billion at the time; however, no transaction materialized.[59] This exploration contributed to temporary share price surges but underscored ongoing volatility linked to strategic reviews in the competitive HR services sector.[60]
Recognition
Industry awards
TriNet has received multiple Stevie Awards recognizing its achievements in business events and marketing campaigns. In 2024, the company won five Stevie Awards for its PeopleForce 2023 conference and People Matter campaign, including a Gold Award in the B2B Events category, a Silver Award in Brand & Experiences, a Silver Award in Conferences & Events, and two Bronze Awards in Achievement in Customer Service and Video – Business to Business.[61] In 2023, TriNet secured four Stevie Awards for its PeopleForce 2022 event, highlighting excellence in similar categories focused on HR innovation and client engagement.[62]
The company has also earned recognition through the Telly Awards for its video content production. In 2023, TriNet's People Matter campaign received eight Telly Awards, comprising three Gold Awards, three Silver Awards, and two Bronze Awards, for outstanding branded content and storytelling that emphasizes small and medium-sized business (SMB) challenges in HR and people management.[63]
TriNet's initiatives in diversity, mental health, and customer service have garnered specific HR-focused accolades. In 2024, it was awarded the Bell Seal Platinum Certification for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, acknowledging comprehensive employee mental health support programs.[64] The company also received the 2024 Disability:IN Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion award, recognizing its efforts in fostering an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities.[64] Additionally, TriNet earned the 2024 Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Business Intelligence Group for its HR outsourcing services.[62] In 2023, it was named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek, based on employee surveys highlighting inclusive practices.[65]
In 2025, TriNet received the TrustRadius Buyer's Choice Award for its HR platform, based on verified customer reviews evaluating value, capabilities, and customer relationships.[66]
In the realm of advocacy, TriNet's Political Action Committee (PAC) was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Corporate PAC Award by the Public Affairs Council, praising its effective engagement strategies and contributions to public policy on behalf of SMBs.[67]
Business rankings
TriNet has received notable recognition in several prominent business rankings, highlighting its growth and excellence in providing human resources solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In 2024, the company achieved the top position in Newsweek's Excellence 1000 Index, earning an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 for demonstrating best practices in financial responsibility, customer and stakeholder ratings, and social responsibility.[68]
The company has a long history of appearances on Inc. magazine's annual lists of America's fastest-growing private companies. TriNet was inducted into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame in 1999 following five consecutive years on the Inc. 500 list in the 1990s, with rankings of 12th in 1995, 79th in 1996, 166th in 1997, and 319th in 1998.[16] It continued to be featured on the expanded Inc. 5000 list multiple times pre-IPO, including positions of 3,369th in 2008, 2,185th in 2009, and 1,601st in 2010, underscoring its sustained rapid growth as a private entity.[16]
In 2017, Fortune magazine named TriNet one of the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, ranking it 57th based on revenue growth metrics, with particular emphasis on its support for SMBs through comprehensive HR services.[69]
TriNet has also appeared on multiple lists recognizing innovation and service excellence in recent years, including U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For, where it was evaluated for employee satisfaction, benefits, and workplace culture among professional services firms.[70]