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MortgagePoint » Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 14 November 2025 recognized for his expertise in capital markets and AI-driven digital transfor- mation. Reporting to CEO Jeff Bode, Kimball will lead strategic growth initiatives, operational execution, and market expansion. "Ian's proven ability to scale organizations, modernize operations, and forge strong partnerships will be instrumental as Click n' Close enters its next phase of growth," Bode says in a release. "His forward-thinking lead- ership and deep industry knowledge are exactly what we need to continue delivering innovative solutions to our partners and borrowers." ONITY GROUP ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT WELBORN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Onity Group Inc. announced the appointment of Robert S. Welborn to its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2025. "We are very pleased to welcome Robert to the Onity Board," said Glen A. Messina, Chair, President, and CEO of Onity. "Robert brings deep domain knowledge and extensive experience in driving business insights, growth, and transformation through the application of data science and analytics across various industries, including at Meta, General Motors, and USAA. His exper- tise will be invaluable as we continue to pursue our technology innovation agenda to deliver unparalleled per- formance and value for our customers while navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape. I look forward to working alongside Robert and our ded- icated Board to continue executing on our strategic initiatives and maximizing value for our shareholders." In addition, DeForest B. Soaries Jr. has notified the Board that he has decided not to stand for re-election at Onity's 2026 Annual Meeting of Share- holders scheduled for May 20, 2026. Dr. Soaries will continue to serve on the Board until that time. "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank DeForest for his countless contributions to Onity since joining the Board in 2015, and for his leadership and guidance throughout the evolu- tion of our Company," Messina said. "We are deeply grateful for DeForest's dedication, partnership, and unwaver- ing commitment to our Company and shareholders. We wish him all the best in the future." Welborn has served as a Director of NOV Inc., an equipment and tech- nology provider to the global energy industry, since 2021. From 2020 through 2024, Mr. Welborn served in leadership positions at Meta Inc., most recently as the Head of Data Science and prior to that as Head of Programs Data Science, Small Business Group. Before joining Meta Inc., he held various positions within General Motors Company between 2018 and 2020, including Global Chief Data and Analytics Offi- cer. Between 2009 and 2017, Welborn served in several positions of increasing responsibility at USAA, including Chief Data Scientist. Welborn holds a Bach- elor of Science in engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, San Diego. PLANET HOME LENDING WELCOMES JOHN ADAMS AS RETAIL RENOVATION LEADER Planet Home Lending, a national mortgage lender and servicer, has appointed John Adams as Retail Renovation Leader, expanding its renovation expertise at a time when borrowers, MLOs, and real estate agents are seeking solutions to unlock more housing opportunities. Adams, a recognized thought leader in renovation lending, will focus on training and supporting Planet's Dis- tributed Retail loan originators and ed- ucating real estate agents nationwide. He will also spearhead efforts to show homebuyers, including veterans and first-time homeowners, how renovation loans can transform properties once considered out of reach. "Planet was one of the first lenders to bring VA renovation lending to market—and remains one of the only companies offering it at scale," Adams said. "That means veterans don't have to settle for a less-than-perfect house. They can buy a home in the location they want, even if it needs work or is difficult to insure." M O V E R S & S H A K E R S "Planet was one of the first lenders to bring VA renovation lending to market … That means veterans don't have to settle for a less-than- perfect house. They can buy a home in the location they want, even if it needs work or is difficult to insure." —John Adams, Retail Renovation Leader, Planet Home Lending

