LERETA, a provider of access to property tax data and flood hazard status information for the mortgage and insurance industries, announced the retirement of Jim Thornton as the company’s chief executive officer, ending a 25-year run with the company.
The company’s current president, John Walsh, will replace Thornton as CEO. Thornton is a minority shareholder of LERETA and will continue to serve as a member of the board.
“LERETA is a rare company with a 29-year history of exemplary service to the mortgage lending and servicing industry,” Thornton said.
“While the leadership of the company has changed a few times during the years, LERETA’s commitment to providing extraordinary service has not wavered,” Thornton added. “John and the current leaders at LERETA exemplify this commitment, and I am excited to assume my new role supporting this outstanding team. Being part of such a fine company, both in my past roles and in the future, is extremely rewarding.”
Walsh (pictured above) brings more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry to his new position.
Earlier in his career, Walsh spent six years as president of DataQuick, a nationwide provider of real estate property information and mortgage settlement services.
Prior to DataQuick, Walsh has served as CEO of three technology companies and as an executive at Weyerhauser Mortgage.
“We have a great opportunity at LERETA,” Walsh said. “The lending industry clearly needs better alternatives for managing the complexities of tax service. LERETA is well positioned to be that alternative based on the innovation we bring to the market, our deep, bench strength of highly experienced tax professionals and our unique commitment to extraordinary service.”