National mortgage lender, servicer, and asset manager Planet Home Lending has hired Paul Walker as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing two decades of mortgage banking finance expertise to the role.
“Paul will guide our financial strategy, leading Planet’s integrated platform to continuously deliver efficient, innovative solutions and services to consumers, business partners, and clients,” said Michael Dubeck, CEO and President of Planet Financial Group, parent of Planet Home Lending.
Before joining Planet Financial Group, Walker was CFO at Mortgage Assets Management LLC, and Supreme Lending, leading key fiscal and strategic planning initiatives. He has also held significant positions in public accounting and SEC reporting including SVP of Enterprise Accounting at Finance of America, SVP of Financial Reporting and Controls at Mr. Cooper (formerly Nationstar), and as an auditor with KPMG.
“Planet’s commitment to connecting multi-channel origination with servicing and asset management creates a unique environment that drives efficiency and scaled growth,” Walker said. “My goal is to strengthen this ecosystem, working to ensure our finance department collaborates closely with all divisions to optimize our service delivery and sustain our competitive edge. I look forward to contributing to Planet’s success and working alongside the talented team here to enhance our market position and financial performance.”
New Deputy CFO
Former Planet Home Lending CFO Teresa McDermott will be transitioning to the role of Deputy CFO until her anticipated retirement within the next two years.
“Teresa’s leadership has been crucial in building Planet from a $5 billion Ginnie Mae servicer in 2007 to its industry-leading position today with a $106 billion portfolio in servicing and sub-servicing and the #4 spot in correspondent lending,” Dubeck said.
In her new role, McDermott will focus on strategic projects and facilitate the transfer of her knowledge, ensuring the continuity of Planet’s strategic vision and operational excellence.
Continued nationwide expansion
Planet Home Lending recently announced the addition of Matt Kingsborough as Regional Sales Manager, bringing more than two decades of experience in mortgage lending and an exceptional track record of leadership and innovation to the position. Kingsborough has been tasked to drive Planet Home Lending’s expansion in the Western U.S.
Prior to joining Planet Home Lending, Kingsborough served as a Multistate Regional Area Manager for HomeBridge Financial Services, and Prospect Mortgage’s Northern California Regional Manager.
Recognition for servicer activity
Planet Home Lending was also recently earned Fannie Mae’s 2023 Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards (STAR) Program recognition, which acknowledges mortgage servicers for effective, standardized processes that drive performance and operational success. Planet Home Lending was recognized in the General Servicing and Solution Delivery categories, one of 32 servicers recognized across all categories.
“We are thrilled to receive dual honors in General Servicing and Solution Delivery, a prestigious recognition across both categories that only seven companies, including ours, achieved this year,” said Sandra Jarish, President of Planet Home Lending. “These accolades reflect our team’s unwavering dedication and meticulous approach, ensuring every aspect of our servicing exceeds the expectations of our customers, investors and private clients, all within the framework of the highest industry standards.”
