Mike Kilander, Chief Operating Officer at Auction.com, is driving advancements in the nation’s largest online distressed real estate marketplace through data-driven innovation and operational excellence. Over the past year, Kilander has led significant organizational improvements, focusing on transitioning Auction.com into a data-driven entity, enhancing buyer targeting through predictive analytics, and supporting the growth of SmartSale™, Auction.com’s pre-foreclosure sales platform. His leadership, rooted in his experience as a former Army intelligence officer, is characterized by integrity, humility, and measurable results.
Under Kilander’s guidance, Auction.com has evolved into a data-driven organization, utilizing predictive analytics tools like Salability Score, Buyer Intent, and Asset Demand scores to enhance the matching of buyers with suitable assets. This strategic use of analytics has improved operational efficiency and reduced marketing waste. Kilander has also deepened Auction.com’s understanding of buyers by championing cross-functional studies and advancing models to analyze buyer behaviors and transaction histories. These insights inform marketing campaigns and site personalization efforts, resulting in more relevant buyer experiences.
Kilander demonstrated strong leadership by restructuring fragmented REO and foreclosure teams into unified asset-lifecycle groups, eliminating redundancies and clarifying internal responsibilities. This restructuring has created a smoother operational workflow and improved Auction.com’s responsiveness in challenging market conditions. His focus on strengthening data capabilities has set Auction.com on a path toward personalized buyer and seller experiences.
Promoted to COO, Kilander integrated core teams to execute a cohesive strategy, leading to measurable operational improvements, including faster asset processing times and clearer accountability. His leadership has significantly contributed to Auction.com meeting its budget goals in the first half of 2025. Kilander’s commitment to operational clarity and data-driven decision-making aligns with Auction.com’s mission of creating better outcomes through transparency, technology, and care. His establishment of the Matchmaking Team has enhanced buyer engagement and internal efficiency, supporting stronger seller communications. Kilander’s unique expertise and collaborative style are accelerating Auction.com’s move toward a customer-centric, data-enabled marketplace.
What is one habit you swear by?
I swear by the habit of lifelong learning. Every quarter, I challenge myself to gain proficiency in a new area. Recently, I’ve focused on AI fundamentals and real estate finance to maintain adaptability and continuously expand my professional expertise.
Name:
Mike Kilander
Title:
Chief Operating Officer
Company Name:
Auction.com
