Ernest Katai

Ernest Katai is Executive Vice President, Head of Production and a member of Berkadia’s Management Committee. In this role, Mr. Katai oversees approximately 240 experienced mortgage bankers and investment sales advisors. Under his leadership, the company’s mortgage banking division has grown by 90 percent, while investment sales have increased by 103 percent. In 2022, Berkadia’s combined production volume of loan origination, investment sales and JV equity placements exceeded $57 billion.

Mr. Katai has been with Berkadia and its predecessors’ companies for more than 25 years, working as a leading mortgage banker throughout his tenure. Prior to his current position, Mr. Katai led the Detroit Office to the top originating office in the State of Michigan. The office now regularly produces mortgage banking and investment sales volume of approximately $2 billion annually. Mr. Katai has an extensive background in loan origination that includes construction lending, interim loans, structured loans, tax free financing, joint ventures and equity investments. Mr. Katai has originated transactions with more than 50 capital sources including multiple life companies, credit companies, banks, conduits, and pension funds. Previously, Mr. Katai did construction lending for Comerica Bank and real estate structured credit financing for Ford Motor Credit.