Mike Fawaz, EVP of strategy, growth and partnership at Rocket Pro, has announced he is stepping away from the company after nearly 15 years with the organization.
Fawaz shared the news in a LinkedIn post, describing his tenure as marked by “early mornings, late nights, bold ideas, challenges, wins, lessons, growth, and relationships” that shaped both his career and personal life.
He joined the wholesale channel in 2017, entering what he characterized as a pivotal chapter with Rocket Pro focused on serving the broker community.
“After more than 14 years with Rocket, Mike Fawaz has decided to leave the company," Rocket Pro in a statement regarding Fawaz's departure. "We’re grateful for his contributions to Rocket Pro, and wish him continued success. With Austin now leading Rocket’s broker channel, we’ve never been more committed to Rocket Pro, and we are excited to share what’s ahead - beginning with Ignite 26 later this month."
Fawaz took over the wholesale lead for Rocket Mortgage in January 2023, when Austin Niemiec moved into the CRO slot for all of Rocket Mortgage.
In his LinkedIn post, Fawaz emphasized that the relationships formed with brokers extended beyond transactional partnerships.
“What started as partnerships quickly became something more,” he wrote, pointing to friendships and long-standing trust built across the independent mortgage broker channel. He thanked brokers for their “honesty, loyalty, pushback, belief, and grit,” noting that many became like family over the years.
Fawaz also expressed appreciation for Rocket Pro team members, past and present, calling it an honor to work alongside professionals committed to supporting brokers and strengthening the wholesale channel.
“Leadership requires honesty with yourself,” he wrote in his post. “The people you serve deserve your full conviction, clarity, and energy.”
After what he described as a period of reflection, Fawaz said he concluded that beginning a new chapter was necessary in order to continue leading with purpose and authenticity.
While he did not disclose his next move, he signaled that the transition is intentional and values-driven.
Fawaz’s departure marks a leadership change for the division as it continues to compete in the evolving mortgage origination landscape.
Fawaz shared his beginnings with NMP back in August 2022, having grown up in war-torn Liberia during a civil war that lasted from 1989-1997.
Recently, Dan Sogorka announced his departure as general manager of Rocket Pro, replaced by Austin Niemiec, who has assumed oversight of the company.
