RealPage, a provider of AI-driven software for the housing sector, has named Dirk Wakeham as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Wakeham also joins the Board of Directors. Wakeham stated, “Returning to RealPage feels like coming home. I’m honored to step into this role at such an important moment for the company and our industry,” emphasizing that the company’s progress has long been built on “partnership and trust.”
Wakeham brings deep leadership experience as a six-time CEO and President in Software and SaaS, with strong proptech and fintech expertise. He formerly served as a Managing Director at Vista Equity Partners and previously led RealPage after it acquired LeasingDesk, which he founded. His career includes steering companies like Zego, Kibo, Lanyon, storEDGE, LeasingDesk, and RealPage through major growth phases.
Wakeham succeeds Dana Jones, who held the CEO position since 2021 and guided the firm through a period of structural refinement, financial strengthening, and advances in AI-enabled resident and property operations. Board Chairman Charles Goodman thanked Jones for her “tremendous contributions” and expressed confidence in Wakeham’s ability stating, “He brings deep industry roots, proven technological leadership, and a long track record of driving scale, innovation, and value creation. I’m confident that Dirk will propel RealPage’s growth and reinforce its position as the technology partner of choice for the real estate industry.”