Heller — a multiple-time HousingWire Vanguard — has more than 30 years of experience in real estate brokerage, mortgage and technology.
He has sold more than 4,000 homes, served as chief executive officer of Keller Williams Realty International, led LoanDepot’s mellohome business and was most recently president of OJO Labs — which was acquired by Lower Mortgage. He will continue advising Lower.
PLACE co-founder Ben Kinney said Heller’s background aligns with the company’s growth plans.
“Chris’s career uniquely bridges frontline production, enterprise leadership and consumer technology — experience directly aligned with PLACE’s next phase of growth,” Kinney said.
Heller will also focus on integrating consumer touchpoints across real estate, mortgage, title, insurance and home services to support revenue growth and customer retention.
“PLACE was built with scale in mind from day one,” Kinney said. “Chris understands how to connect platform strategy, revenue architecture and consumer experience. As we continue expanding PLACE into a comprehensive homeownership ecosystem, his leadership is a force multiplier.”
Chris Suarez, co-founder of PLACE, said Heller’s experience will be important as the company expands its platform.
“Chris brings rare perspective — he’s operated at scale, built consumer platforms, and understands how capital, technology, and distribution intersect,” Suarez said. “That perspective is critical as PLACE continues to mature into a platform with both strategic and financial leverage.”
Earlier this month, PLACE announced additional leadership hires — including Nikki Miller as vice president of growth, Jamie Jatzlau as general counsel and Claire Dunham as senior vice president of title operations and strategy.
