Demetrios Barnes Appointed CEO of 1VALET, Positioning Company for Proptech Growth

Demetrios Barnes Appointed as CEO of 1VALET

1VALET Corp., a prominent player in smart building operating systems and video intercom technologies, has announced the elevation of Demetrios Barnes to the role of Chief Executive Officer as of February 20, 2026. This strategic appointment aims to accelerate the company’s expansion and solidify its market position across North America.

Barnes, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at SmartRent, brings a wealth of knowledge in operational strategies and market execution, alongside significant experience in capital markets. His remarkable track record at SmartRent saw him play a pivotal role in transitioning the organization into a leading global proptech platform while guiding its public listing journey.

In line with this leadership transition, Jean-Pierre Poulin, the founder of 1VALET, has stepped into the role of Executive Chairman. Poulin will now depart from the everyday operational responsibilities to concentrate on board leadership, strategic direction, cultivating crucial external relationships, and focusing on international growth. Under his leadership, 1VALET has developed a robust platform known for its reliable performance and deep integration of hardware and software, which resonates well with developers and asset managers alike.

The Vision for the Future

Reflecting on Barnes’ appointment, Poulin expressed confidence in his operational expertise and credibility within the real estate and proptech spaces. He believes that this shift in leadership will enhance 1VALET's focus and scale while maintaining the solid foundation and culture already established.

Barnes shared his vision for 1VALET, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to building technology within the real estate sector. He acknowledged the operational challenges that asset managers face in delivering superior resident experiences and highlighted the necessity for a more cohesive system that combines numerous solutions into one platform.

The new CEO also praised the exceptional work that the engineering team at 1VALET, led by Chief Technology Officer Hanna Haddad, has accomplished. He pointed out that the firm’s technology has created an enterprise-grade integrated system that aligns with real-world operational needs, which is crucial in aligning product offerings to customer experiences and expectations.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Barnes noted that the proptech industry is at a critical juncture, facing challenges such as disjointed products, shifting corporate priorities towards profit over partnership, and a general sense of dissatisfaction among operators and residents. To counter these trends, he emphasized that at 1VALET, the focus will remain on nurturing partnerships and trust while delivering excellence in service.

The company commits to accelerating its unique position as a comprehensive platform that merges access control, video intercoms, Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities, and resident engagement tools into a unified system. Barnes aims to foster disciplined growth across North America, while also preparing for international expansion through strong local partnerships and adherence to regulatory considerations.

As a seasoned asset manager himself, Barnes understands the pressures faced by teams aiming to improve resident experiences amid complex operational challenges. He stated that the mission at 1VALET is simple: to enhance building management for everyone involved. By merging top-tier technology with a steadfast dedication to execution, he believes that 1VALET is distinctively positioned to guide the evolution of smart communities.

About 1VALET

1VALET operates as a leading smart building operating system that connects property teams, residents, and building infrastructure through a singular platform. Through seamless integration of various components such as access control, video intercoms, and IoT devices, alongside a robust resident application, 1VALET empowers property owners and operators to boost resident engagement, streamline operations, enhance net operating income (NOI), and cultivate safer living environments. To find out more about their offerings, visit 1valet.com.