Analyst Reports
May 9, 2023 – Connected Real Estate Magazine has honored Darlene Pope, President of Planon North America, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for individual excellence and outstanding initiative, vision, impact, and inspiration to others. Pope was recognized for her exceptional career accomplishments and tireless commitment to advancing the use of technology to create smarter, more valuable buildings.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Pope at the Connect(X) event held in New Orleans this week, honors an individual who has made a significant impact on the real estate technology industry throughout his or her career. With more than 30 years of experience on the leading edge of PropTech, Pope is well recognized as a visionary in the smart building industry, from her initial roots in telecommunications and broadband, to her achievements today in smart buildings and digital workplace solutions.
Throughout her career, Pope has held many executive level positions in both real estate and technology companies, including her current role as President of Planon North America, Vice President, Global Smart Building Operations at WeWork, where she was responsible for overseeing the smart building and digital workplace strategy for Global Operations, and Managing Director, EVP at JLL, where she launched and built the firm’s global Smart Building practice, working with corporate clients all over the world. Prior to JLL, she ran her own consulting business, serving as President and CEO of CoR Advisors, dedicated to furthering the application of advanced technologies for buildings. Recognized for consistently leading the way with cutting-edge ideas and offerings, she has elevated the concept of a smart building beyond its traditional roots in energy management to a holistic, experience-oriented offering – maximizing the value to building owners.
Jason Nelson, from Connected Real Estate’s publisher, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, WIA, had this to say: “Darlene has been an icon in our industry for many years, and we were thrilled to be able to honor her impact and achievements at Connect(X) 2023. Her ability to think outside the box, challenge status quo, and tirelessly advocate for advanced real estate technologies has helped countless organizations over the years.”
Pope has received numerous awards and recognitions over her career, including “Top 10 Women in Connectivity and Technology” from Connected Real Estate Magazine in 2020, the “President's Award for Excellence” from JLL in 2018, the “Visionary of the Year Award” from Downtown DC BID in 2016, the “Top Power Woman in CRE” from Bisnow in 2014, and the “Da Vinci Gold Award” from JLL in 2016 – an award given to recognize leaders in innovation. Pope also serves on the Advisory Board for Women in PropTech and was appointed to the BOMA National Advisory Council from 2015-2017.
WIA is pleased to recognize Darlene Pope for her outstanding accomplishments in real estate, technology, and as a trailblazer for women in the industry.
The WIA Connect(X) event brought together leaders in the wireless industry to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. The event also featured several keynote speakers, including top executives from companies such as AT&T, Charter Communications, and Verizon.