Mortgage tech provider Dark Matter Technologies has announced that Sean Dugan, the company’s current Chief Revenue Officer, will succeed Rich Gagliano as CEO effective April 2025. Gagliano, who launched Dark Matter in 2023 following over a decade of leadership at its predecessor, Black Knight Origination Technologies, will step into the role of Executive Chair.
For nearly 14 years, Gagliano has led the charge to transform mortgage origination with advanced automation and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) solutions. More recently, Gagliano has helped Dark Matter find its footing as an independent company combining the agility of a startup with the pedigree of a mature and experienced provider. Gagliano’s vision for Dark Matter and the team he has assembled to execute on that vision have earned the confidence of banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders nationwide.
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Dark Matter, and I am confident the company’s best days are ahead,” said Gagliano. “After years of working with Sean, I have absolute confidence in his leadership and in his team’s readiness to execute on the strategy we’ve developed together. I look forward to supporting Sean and our clients as I transition to executive chair, knowing that Dark Matter is in the most capable of hands.”
Gagliano’s decision to step down as CEO is part of a broader plan to spend more time with family, though he will remain actively involved as executive chair to support Dugan, the team, and clients during the transition.
Dugan brings more than 25 years of mortgage industry expertise, including 14 years alongside Gagliano at Dark Matter and its predecessor. Known for his client-focused approach, Dugan has played a pivotal role in shaping Dark Matter’s customer-centric culture and product offerings. As CEO, he will lead the company into its next chapter, focusing on delivering solutions that enhance operational efficiency for lenders.
“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dugan. “This transition represents an opportunity to double down on our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our clients to succeed in a challenging market. I’m honored by the trust Rich and Constellation Software’s leadership has placed in me, and I look forward to leading Dark Matter’s talented team in fulfilling our vision for the future of mortgage technology.”
