John A. Reilly is a seasoned executive and strategic leader, with over four decades of experience spanning finance, marketing, real estate, and digital transformation. As the CEO of Padgea Inc., John is at the helm of an innovative Agentic AI platform that is revolutionizing the real estate industry. The platform optimizes leasing, marketing, financing, maintaining, and management for property owners and managers owning  500+ apartments and/or single-family homes. John’s leadership at Padgea focuses on streamlining, optimizing and digitizing real estate operations with the sole purpose of increasing properties net-operating income by 20% or more.

John’s career trajectory in investment banking with over 200 engagements involving 12 billion dollars of equity transactions has provided him a “birds-eye view” into what makes companies successful. This hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving was pivotal in shaping John’s leadership style and guiding his success in business, finance and technology. John spent 20 years of his investment banking career involved in real estate transactions on teams that financed 24 large scale multi-family apartment buildings with over 30 000 apartment units. In addition, John was involved in financing Public Storage, Residence Inns, and other properties.

A defining moment in John’s journey came when he joined the Founders Institute—a highly selective entrepreneurship program where only a fraction of applicants are accepted. John’s work during the Founders Institute pushed the boundaries of AI in real estate and led to his significant involvement with Padgea, where he integrated new insights into the platform. His AI-driven vision is helping to shape the future of real estate by making processes smarter and more efficient.

John’s academic achievements further reinforce his leadership credentials. He holds two MBAs: one in Operations Management and another in Leadership from the Jack Welch Management Institute, where he graduated with distinction as a Welch Scholar. His academic foundation also includes attendance at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School) and bachelors degree from Northeastern University, which provided him with the critical thinking and strategic mindset necessary to excel in competitive business environments.

Outside of his professional life, John is an avid sailor and loves to sail 45- to 65-foot sailboats with his compadres. This passion for sailing highlights John’s leadership and team-oriented approach. His ability to navigate complex waters, both literally and figuratively, speaks to his competence and trust in collaborative efforts—skills that are reflected in his leadership style at Padgea.

Today, John’s career is a powerful example of innovation and resilience, combining his deep expertise in finance and real estate with his passion for technology. His work with Padgea continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in real estate, and his career trajectory from investment banking to CEO leadership illustrates his ongoing commitment to growth and leadership in a rapidly changing world.