Dark Matter Technologies expands leadership team

September 4, 2026 - 02:40

Dark Matter Technologies has announced a pair of senior hires aimed at strengthening its product roadmap and client support operations. Salvatore Piccola joins as senior vice president of product strategy, while Gil Valera takes on the role of SVP for professional services and consulting.

Piccola brings more than two decades of experience in mortgage technology and fintech, having previously held leadership positions at companies focused on loan origination systems and digital closing tools. In his new role, he will oversee the company's product vision, working closely with engineering and client success teams to align development priorities with market needs. His focus will include expanding automation and data integration across the lending workflow.

Valera comes to Dark Matter with a background in enterprise software deployment and customer onboarding. He has led large-scale implementation programs for financial services firms, with an emphasis on reducing time-to-value for new clients. At Dark Matter, he will manage the consulting practice, implementation teams, and post-sale support, aiming to standardize delivery processes and improve client experience.

Both appointments come as the company looks to scale its offerings beyond traditional mortgage origination. Dark Matter, known for its Empower platform, has been investing in cloud-based tools and AI-driven decisioning. The new leadership structure is expected to help the firm respond faster to regulatory changes and shifting lender demands.

Executives at the company said the hires reflect a commitment to deepening expertise in product development and service delivery. Piccola and Valera will report directly to the chief operating officer and begin their roles immediately.