Opteon, a global appraisal management company and staff appraisal firm, recently announced its CEO Chris Knight was chosen as the 2024 Valuation Visionary honoree by the Collateral Risk Network (CRN).

Each year, the CRN presents this award in recognition of the person who demonstrates leadership, innovation, professionalism, and who strives to better the industry for their peers. The award is voted on by members of the CRN. Knight is the 15th recipient of the Valuation Visionary award and will be presented with the award during the CRN event at Valuation Expo 2024.

Knight serves with distinction on the CRN Board of Directors.

“Chris Knight is a visionary in the appraisal industry,” CRN founder and President Joan Trice said in a release. “He says what others are afraid to say and maintains a priority for keeping appraisers relevant throughout the appraisal process. Chris feels strongly in the need to bring thoughtful technology to the industry, which is the viewpoint we've been lacking.” 

A former appraiser, Knight is passionate about market disruption through development of great people, process, data, and technology. Since taking on the role of CEO in 2016, Knight has expanded Opteon throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, and most recently spearheaded the acquisition of Value Acceptance by Opteon’s sister technology company, Ascent Software Group (ASG).

The company said this acquisition enhances ASG’s ability to provide innovative valuation products and solutions and strengthens its position as a market leader in the appraisal tech industry.