People On the Move at Realty ONE and John R. Wood 

Editor's note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who've recently taken on roles that influence the residential real estate landscape. 

Realty ONE hires EVP of growth

David Romero has been tapped as executive vice president to help Realty ONE Group accelerate its growth. The brokerage currently has more than 18,000 agents across 400 offices throughout the U.S. and 11 other countries as a result of continued and steady growth. 

Romero, a three-decade industry veteran who has worked as an agent and broker, previously helmed a large Century 21 franchise in Southern California, rising to the position of president and CEO after initially joining as COO. During his tenure, the brokerage expanded to 18 offices with more than 1,000 agents. 

As a brokerage leader, Romero also worked to create a successful in-house coaching program. 

"David has always been an agent-centric leader," said Vinnie Tracey, president of Realty ONE Group. "But he's also driven by his passion for real estate and for people, and he works incredibly hard to make their lives better."

Mike Clear, Realty ONE's COO and CFO, added that Romero's prior experience as an agent and broker means he understands what it takes for agents to become successful — a perspective that "is invaluable in continuing to grow our thriving network."

For Romero, the move represented a good culture fit. "It was so critical for me to align with an organization that is transparent about fees and has a business model, coaching and support that makes sense but also one that shares true passion and respect," he said.

John R. Wood announces four exec promotions 

Southwest Florida's John R. Wood Christie's International Real Estate has promoted four company managers to more senior-level positions.

Corey McCloskey is now the executive vice president of operations. McCloskey, who has been with the company for 20 years, was most recently VP of operations and has been an active association member, including serving as district vice president for the Florida Association of Realtors and as president of the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR). She was also named the NABOR Realtor of the Year for 2022.

James Schnars, who joined John R. Wood in 2020, now leads the brokerage's marketing efforts as CMO after previously serving as VP of marketing. In his new role he will oversee all marketing and PR efforts. He was recently recognized as the 2022 Marketing Director of the Year by the Collier Building Industry Association.

Ron Howard also joined the company in 2020, but his real estate career spans nearly three decades and includes numerous leadership positions. He moved up from VP of sales to executive VP of sales. 

Nikki Wood, who has been with the firm for 10 years, most recently managed compliance affairs. She is now vice president of philanthropy and compliance, and serves on the company's executive committee.

The luxury brokerage, founded in 1958, has more than 750 agents and staff across 23 offices in Collier and Lee counties on Florida's west coast.