loanDepot Names Industry Veteran Alec Hanson as SVP of Revenue Development and Growth
loanDepot, Inc. (“LDI” or “Company”) (NYSE: LDI), a premier provider of financial products and services designed to support the homeownership journey, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Alec Hanson to a newly created role focused on driving revenue development and spearheading growth initiatives. This strategic move, effective immediately, aims to enhance the company’s market presence and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the mortgage and homeownership sector. Hanson, who has been with loanDepot since 2011 and most recently served as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, will report directly to LDI Mortgage President Jeff Walsh.
Leadership Restructuring and Strategic Growth Initiatives
As part of this transition, Executive Vice President TJ Freeborn will continue overseeing the company’s marketing function but will now hold the title of Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. Freeborn has played an instrumental role in strengthening loanDepot’s brand identity, leading innovative marketing campaigns, and securing high-profile sponsorship deals with Major League Baseball and the Miami Marlins. Under her leadership, loanDepot has established itself as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the mortgage industry. Freeborn will maintain her direct reporting line to loanDepot President and CEO Frank Martell, ensuring continuity in the company’s marketing strategy while also expanding efforts to enhance the customer experience.
In his newly defined role, Hanson will be responsible for advancing loanDepot’s Project North Star strategic plan. This initiative is designed to identify and capture new revenue opportunities by expanding strategic partnerships and developing a comprehensive digital customer engagement ecosystem. One of Hanson’s key priorities will be overseeing the deployment of loanDepot’s next-generation customer relationship management (CRM) platform, which aims to enhance customer engagement across the entire homeownership lifecycle while simultaneously improving operational efficiencies.
Additionally, Hanson will leverage his deep industry experience and entrepreneurial background to elevate the company’s coaching and professional development programs for In-Market Retail loan consultants. His focus will be on equipping loan originators with cutting-edge tools, support systems, and educational resources that will enable them to achieve higher levels of success in a rapidly evolving mortgage landscape.
Industry Expertise and Leadership Qualities
Hanson’s appointment is a strategic decision that aligns with loanDepot’s long-term vision of fostering innovation and growth within the mortgage industry. With nearly two decades of experience in the sector, Hanson has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader with a unique ability to merge traditional lending expertise with modern digital strategies. His deep understanding of mortgage origination, production leadership, and marketing innovation makes him an ideal candidate to spearhead the company’s revenue expansion initiatives.
“I can think of no better leader than Alec to help us capture new and innovative top-line revenue growth opportunities,” said Walsh. “His knowledge, industry network, and experience as an originator, production leader, and marketing expert make him uniquely positioned to help us drive the goals of Project North Star. We’re excited to see where his leadership will take us.”
Hanson’s career in the mortgage industry began in 2004 when he was recognized as “Rookie of the Year” by Scotsman Guide, an esteemed publication covering the mortgage and real estate finance industries. Over the years, he has accumulated a series of accolades, including HousingWire’s prestigious Rising Star award in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hanson has also made significant contributions as an author and thought leader in the industry. His book, “Bypassed: A Modern Guide for Local Mortgage Pros Left Behind by the Digital Customer,” addresses the challenges mortgage professionals face in adapting to a tech-driven marketplace. Additionally, he is the creator of loanDepot’s “Modern Lending Playbook,” a resource designed to equip mortgage professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Transforming loanDepot’s Digital and Marketing Strategies
Hanson’s influence at loanDepot extends beyond his role in revenue generation and business development. As Chief Marketing Officer, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s field-marketing capabilities into a competitive advantage, helping loanDepot differentiate itself in a crowded market. His leadership in digital marketing initiatives has been instrumental in enhancing the company’s customer acquisition strategies and brand positioning.
One of his most significant contributions has been the integration of advanced digital tools and analytics into the company’s marketing framework, allowing for more personalized and data-driven customer interactions. By leveraging digital technology, Hanson has helped loanDepot optimize its marketing spend and improve the efficiency of its customer engagement strategies.
His new role will build on these successes, ensuring that loanDepot continues to lead the industry in innovation and customer-centric solutions. Hanson’s ability to blend data-driven marketing with a deep understanding of customer behavior will be crucial as the company seeks to refine its digital end-to-end customer nurture ecosystem.
The Future of loanDepot Under Project North Star
loanDepot’s Project North Star is an ambitious strategic plan designed to position the company for long-term success by embracing digital transformation, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding revenue streams. Hanson’s leadership will be a key factor in the execution of this initiative, particularly in the areas of customer relationship management, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships.
His experience as a retail loan originator will be invaluable in enhancing the company’s training and development programs for loan consultants. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, loanDepot aims to empower its loan originators with the skills and resources needed to navigate an increasingly competitive mortgage market.
Hanson’s appointment comes at a time when the mortgage industry is undergoing significant change, driven by shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory requirements. His ability to adapt to these changes and implement innovative solutions will be instrumental in helping loanDepot maintain its competitive edge.
A Leader with a Vision
Reflecting on his new role, Hanson expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead. “I’ve always loved the entrepreneurial spirit that remains such a significant part of our culture, and I’m proud of the career I’ve built as I’ve come up the ranks,” said Hanson. “What drives me every day is the opportunity to make an impact on the success of our company by improving our platform so that our team can continue to win. With our Project North Star strategic plan, we have many opportunities to lead with our customers and our industry. I can’t wait to get started.”
His appointment signals loanDepot’s commitment to fostering a culture of leadership, innovation, and customer-centric growth. As the company continues to evolve, Hanson’s expertise will play a critical role in shaping its future trajectory, ensuring that loanDepot remains a trusted partner in the homeownership journey for years to come.
The appointment of Alec Hanson to this newly created leadership role marks an important milestone for loanDepot as it seeks to enhance its revenue generation strategies and strengthen its position in the mortgage industry. With a proven track record of success in marketing, sales, and digital transformation, Hanson is well-equipped to drive the company’s growth initiatives and support the goals outlined in Project North Star. As loanDepot continues to navigate a dynamic and evolving market, Hanson’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s continued success and innovation in the years ahead.
