Veteran fintech executive Joe Langner was named the first president of Guaranteed Rate’s mortgage technology company, Gateless, according to a press release.

Langner will lead the effort to drive development at the company, which uses AI technology to accelerate the loan origination process, and expand Gateless’s customer base.

“Joe’s impressive reputation for building high-performing tech companies makes him a perfect fit for our growing team,” Gateless Chairman Victor Ciardelli, who launched Gateless in March 2021, said in the press release. “With his leadership, we’re confident Gateless will become the go-to technology solutions provider for the nation’s top mortgage lenders looking to improve the overall borrower experience.”

Langner has spent more than three decades in executive positions at companies such as Ellie Mae, where he served as chief operating officer and chief sales officer; reverse mortgage technology company ReverseVision and digital lending platform Blue Sage, both as CEO; mortgage loan tech company PCLender, as president; operations management technology company Sage, as vice president; and business data and analytics company Dun & Bradstreet, as senior vice president.

“If you look at how much the loan process has changed over the past few decades, decision automation, especially in underwriting, is a key area where improvement is needed to drive efficiencies,” said Langner. “I’m thrilled to join the Gateless leadership team during a time when every major lender is thinking about how to streamline cost through AI products that focus on delivering greater accuracy, faster turnaround times and an improved customer experience.”