Zillow Group, a real estate tech company based in Seattle, recently promoted Jun Choo to the role of chief operating officer, replacing Jeremy Wackman. Choo, who was previously the senior vice president of real estate software, has been with Zillow for nine years and has spearheaded various initiatives such as the Connections platform, Premier Agent market-based pricing, and the Zillow Showcase product. Zillow reported strong third-quarter results with revenue of $581 million and adjusted earnings of $127 million. Choo expressed excitement about the opportunity to provide a more tech-enabled and integrated experience for homebuyers.
Additionally, Zillow announced the resignations of Susan Daimler, president, and Matt Daimler, senior vice president of product, who co-founded Buyfolio, which was acquired by Zillow in 2012. Neal Oman was appointed as the chief technology officer at Vouched, an identity verification startup founded in 2018. Oman brings a wealth of experience in AI and analytics, previously holding technical leadership roles at various Seattle-area companies. Vouched assists companies in verifying the identity of their customers in real-time, providing fraud detection services.
Dr. Nicole Fleming, a gynecologic oncologist, was appointed as the deputy chief medical officer for Fred Hutch Cancer Center, a new position within the organization. Fleming, who previously worked at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will oversee daily operations at Fred Hutch’s outpatient clinic while providing care for patients. Fred Hutch has expanded its patient care services following a merger with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, establishing an institution that combines research and patient care.
Alberto Santagostino has taken over as CEO of AGC Biologics, a biotech company based in Bothell, Washington, that is part of the AGC Group. Santagostino’s previous roles include senior vice president of cell and gene technologies at Lonza and a partner at McKinsey in Denmark. AGC Biologics is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization that assists companies in developing and producing pharmaceuticals and medical treatments. Geordie Rose, co-founder and former CEO of robotics startup Sanctuary AI, has stepped down, with James Wells taking over as interim CEO. Sanctuary AI unveiled a general-purpose robot named Phoenix, powered by an advanced AI software system called Carbon, designed to perform various tasks in a commercial setting.
The leadership changes in these tech companies reflect the dynamic nature of the industry, with individuals taking on new roles and companies undergoing transitions to drive innovation and growth. These appointments bring a mix of experience and expertise to the respective organizations, positioning them for success in their respective fields. As Zillow, Vouched, Fred Hutch, AGC Biologics, and Sanctuary AI continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape, the contributions of these leaders will play a critical role in shaping the future of their companies. The focus on providing tech-enabled solutions and advancing research and development underscores the commitment to driving progress and innovation in their respective industries.
