Proptech firm bets on veteran mortgage executive as non-QM lender fills key recruitment role
Proptech company SmartRent has tapped a high-profile mortgage executive to lead its next growth phase, while non-QM lender ARDRI welcomes a new VP to accelerate its recruitment and expansion efforts.
SmartRent Inc. has appointed former loanDepot chief Frank Martell (pictured left) as its new president and CEO, effective immediately. Martell, a board member since June 2024, has also served on the company’s audit and nominating and corporate governance committees.
As CEO, Martell will lead SmartRent’s executive team. The company, which provides smart technology for rental housing, is pushing to expand adoption of its enterprise platform and grow its hardware-enabled SaaS model.
Martell has more than 30 years of executive experience. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of loanDepot. Prior to loanDepot, Martell held CFO, COO, and CEO roles at CoreLogic, where he oversaw the company’s transformation into a global residential property data and analytics platform.
“SmartRent has built a strong foundation as a category leader in smart property technology,” Martell said in a press release. “I see tremendous opportunity to expand our impact and build on the company’s leadership.”
Board Chair John Dorman cited Martell’s existing involvement with SmartRent and his experience in execution-driven organizations as factors supporting a smooth leadership transition.
ARDRI adds VP to support non-QM hiring
ARDRI, a non-QM and business purpose lender, has tapped Jeffery Gray (pictured right) as vice president of talent acquisition. Gray brings over a decade of experience recruiting for the mortgage industry and has already started shaping the company’s hiring strategy.
Previously, Gray led recruitment at Athas Capital Group, where his efforts contributed to the company’s growth from $40 million to over $200 million in monthly non-QM production. At ARDRI, he’s tasked with hiring professionals who align with the lender’s focus on third-party originations, high-touch service, and technology-driven lending.
According to ARDRI CEO Brian O’Shaughnessy, Gray’s understanding of the non-QM sector and ability to attract qualified talent will support the lender’s ongoing expansion.
“His deep understanding of the non-QM space, combined with an unwavering commitment to people, is helping ARDRI scale with purpose,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Jeffery’s ability to attract top-tier talent that aligns with our tech-forward vision and client-centric mission is already accelerating our growth.”
Read next: ARDRI acquires The Lending Spot to boost broker support and non-QM volume
“The beauty of my job is I get to live through the success of others. I know I’m doing my job well if those around me are succeeding. Nothing brings me more fulfillment,” Gray said.
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