Berkadia Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Berkadia has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, revenue generation, financial oversight, international operations, production management, human capital, and legal compliance.

Focused on delivering comprehensive commercial real estate solutions, Berkadia drives market excellence through an integrated platform of mortgage banking, investment sales, and servicing to support multifamily and commercial property clients globally.

Leadership Roles at Berkadia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Justin Wheeler
  • Chief Financial Officer - Randall Jenson
  • Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) - Praveen Polavaram
  • Chief Operating Officer, Production - Deborah Perlowin
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Blake Okland
  • Chief People Officer - Danielle D.
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Richard Bendit
  • Justin Wheeler - Chief Executive Officer

    Justin Wheeler, the Chief Executive Officer at Berkadia, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the firm. By leveraging the joint venture foundation between Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, Wheeler architects growth initiatives that expand the reach of the integrated mortgage banking and investment sales platform. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant alignment with the Board to ensure the company remains a leader in the commercial real estate sector. Overseeing the executive leadership team, Wheeler fosters a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all North American markets. This leadership role involves navigating complex financial landscapes to secure sustainable competitive advantages for the organization. Through rigorous oversight of market positioning, Justin Wheeler ensures the firm delivers superior value to multifamily and commercial property clients. Ultimately, Wheeler drives the strategic trajectory of the entire enterprise.
    Justin Wheeler

    Randall Jenson - Chief Financial Officer

    Randall Jenson, the Chief Financial Officer at Berkadia, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. By managing complex financial reporting and risk assessment frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the mortgage banking and servicing platforms. Jenson directs the financial planning processes that support the firm's investment sales initiatives and long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance standards while optimizing the balance sheet to support large-scale commercial real estate transactions. Randall Jenson collaborates with the executive team to evaluate capital investments and ensure alignment with the firm's overarching financial goals. Through the precise management of corporate assets and liquidity, Jenson provides the necessary foundation for operational success. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial integrity required to serve multifamily and commercial property clients effectively.
    Randall Jenson

    Praveen Polavaram - Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)

    Praveen Polavaram, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) at Berkadia, manages the financial operations and administrative infrastructure within the Indian market. By overseeing regional fiscal reporting and operational efficiency, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) ensures seamless integration with the global mortgage banking and servicing platforms. Polavaram directs local teams to support the firm's broader commercial real estate objectives through optimized back-office processes and technical support. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between international operations and the New York headquarters to maintain consistent service quality. Praveen Polavaram drives the development of scalable financial solutions that enhance the firm's overall productivity. Through the strategic management of regional resources, Polavaram supports the firm's ability to provide high-quality services to multifamily clients. Ultimately, the Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India) ensures operational excellence across the firm's international footprint.

    Deborah Perlowin - Chief Operating Officer, Production

    Deborah Perlowin, the Chief Operating Officer, Production at Berkadia, directs the execution of mortgage banking and loan production workflows. By streamlining the origination process, the Chief Operating Officer, Production ensures the efficient delivery of financing solutions to commercial property clients. Perlowin manages the operational teams responsible for underwriting and closing, ensuring alignment with the firm's rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves implementing technology-driven improvements to the servicing platform to enhance client experience and operational speed. Deborah Perlowin coordinates with the investment sales division to provide a unified service offering that meets the complex needs of multifamily investors. Through the continuous optimization of production cycles, Perlowin drives significant gains in operational throughput. By maintaining a focus on process excellence, the Chief Operating Officer, Production supports the firm's ability to scale effectively within the competitive commercial real estate market.

    Blake Okland - Chief Revenue Officer

    Blake Okland, the Chief Revenue Officer at Berkadia, manages the expansion of investment sales and brokerage activities across diverse property portfolios. By optimizing the sales funnel and identifying emerging market opportunities, the Chief Revenue Officer accelerates revenue growth for the firm. Okland coordinates with regional teams to refine client engagement strategies, ensuring the delivery of high-impact real estate solutions. This leadership role requires deep integration with the mortgage banking platform to provide comprehensive service packages to multifamily clients. Blake Okland directly influences the firm's market share by implementing data-driven sales methodologies and fostering strong institutional relationships. Through the continuous refinement of brokerage operations, Okland secures consistent financial performance. By aligning revenue targets with the broader corporate mission, the Chief Revenue Officer maintains the firm's status as a premier provider of commercial real estate services.
    Blake Okland

    Danielle D. - Chief People Officer

    Danielle D., the Chief People Officer at Berkadia, architects the human capital strategy to attract and retain top talent within the commercial real estate industry. By overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures the firm maintains a high-performance workforce. Danielle D. directs initiatives that align employee engagement with the company's mission of providing superior mortgage banking and investment sales services. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the firm's global staff. Through the implementation of robust training programs, the Chief People Officer enhances the technical and leadership capabilities of the entire organization. By managing performance management systems, D. ensures that all teams remain focused on achieving the firm's strategic objectives. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer drives the cultural foundation necessary for the firm to excel in the competitive financial services sector.
    Richard Bendit, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Berkadia, manages the legal and regulatory framework governing the firm's commercial real estate operations. By overseeing contract negotiations, compliance protocols, and risk mitigation strategies, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer protects the firm's interests across all mortgage banking and investment sales activities. Bendit directs the legal team to ensure that all transactions adhere to industry regulations and corporate governance standards. This leadership role involves providing strategic counsel to the executive team regarding complex legal matters and potential market risks. Richard Bendit facilitates the smooth execution of business initiatives by resolving legal challenges and ensuring regulatory alignment. Through the proactive management of legal affairs, Bendit supports the firm's ability to provide reliable services to multifamily and commercial property clients. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer secures the firm's operational integrity.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Berkadia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Berkadia?
    Berkadia is led by Justin Wheeler (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Randall Jenson (Chief Financial Officer) and Praveen Polavaram (Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)).
    Who is part of Berkadia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Berkadia includes leaders such as Justin Wheeler (Chief Executive Officer), Randall Jenson (Chief Financial Officer), Praveen Polavaram (Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Berkadia have?
    Berkadia has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Berkadia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Berkadia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Site Chief Financial Officer & Director (India), Chief Operating Officer, Production, Chief Revenue Officer.