Default servicing technology firm Equator has added five senior managers to fill several top roles.
The firm recruited top talent — many of whom previously worked at top companies such as Fidelity National Commerce Velocity, Firstsource Solutions, Starbucks (SBUX) and Disney Interactive Media Group (DIS).
The firm named Russell Walker, vice president of information security and compliance. Walker will oversee data stored on the Equator system. He brings extensive experience in the data security field after serving as senior director of information security and compliance for FSRDG. He also was vice president of enterprise security, compliance and risk management for Starbucks Coffee Co. and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
Equator named John Ardy (pictured) vice president of technology. He previously served Fidelity National Commerce Velocity as chief delivery officer and also served as managing director and COO of application technology for Countrywide Financial Corp. and COO, North America, for Firstsource Solutions.
Jeff Huffman was named Equator’s director of technology. He spent 15 years in project management at various Fortune 500 companies and last served Bank of America (BAC) as vice president of its portfolio/project management. At BofA, he formed teams to manage REO, short sales and deed-in-lieu technology products.
Meanwhile. Stephen Kirkham, director of IT development, was hired to oversee the design, delivery and management of Equator Solutions. He has an extensive background in software design and development, previously serving Disney Interactive Media Group as engineering manager.
Equator also hired Lance Hamilton as relationship manager. He previously served Fannie Mae as a senior project manager, leading the government-sponsored enterprise’s efforts to integrate its servicing management default underwriter system. He also served as an assistant vice president at Bank of America, where he worked on Equator’s original short-sale platform.
“The current housing market is creating opportunities to further streamline and automate a servicing process that’s become increasingly more complex over the past several years,” said Chris Saitta, CEO of Equator. “The investments we are making in experienced leadership will further empower us to anticipate the needs of our clients with intelligent products and services.”
