People on the Move
Illustration by Lanette Behiry/Real Estate News

People on the Move: eXp promotes growth leaders; CB names marketing VP 

eXp elevates seven executives to support growth and agent success; Coldwell Banker brings on luxury marketing pro.

April 30, 2024
3 minutes

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, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape. 


eXp strengthens North American growth teams

Cloud-based brokerage eXp Realty announced multiple promotions intended to bolster its growth and agent support teams throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Amy Weaver, who has been VP of growth since 2021, was promoted to SVP of the U.S. growth team. Prior to joining eXp, Weaver spent eight years at Keller Williams, beginning her career as an agent, and later serving as a team leader and productivity coach.

Weaver will be supported by three new regional vice presidents of growth:

  • Frank Panunto, promoted from his role as senior regional director of the Eastern U.S. region, and a former branch manager for Long & Foster

  • Russ Laggan, promoted from senior regional director of U.S. growth to regional VP, and a two-decade industry veteran with extensive leadership experience 

  • Tony King, promoted from director of growth, and a former designated broker at both eXp and Redfin

Susan McClain, formerly director of retention at eXp, was named VP of agent success. She joined eXp in 2021 after spending 10 years at a Century 21 franchise, where she was VP of sales.  

Sean Murphy, who has worked as team lead and broker/owner during his 20 years in the industry, was promoted from VP to senior vice president of commercial growth. 

Nadia Habib, who joined eXp in 2022, was promoted to SVP of growth for Canada. Prior to eXp, she spent more than 16 years as a managing broker at Century 21 offices in Ontario. 

"These strategic leadership changes are designed to harness the potential of our talented team and align with our mission to provide exceptional service and support to our agents worldwide," said Michael Valdes, chief growth officer at eXp. 

"As we navigate a fluctuating economic landscape, it is crucial that we continue to innovate and double down on our growth efforts, ensuring that eXp Realty remains a leader in the real estate industry," Valdes added.

Coldwell Banker taps marketing leader for VP role

Brandon Newman will join Coldwell Banker as vice president of marketing, leading advertising and marketing strategy across the brand's nationwide affiliate network.

Brandon Newman, VP of Marketing, Coldwell Banker.
Brandon Newman, VP of Marketing, Coldwell Banker.

Newman is new to the real estate industry but brings more than 15 years of luxury marketing experience to the franchise brand. Most recently, he led marketing efforts across three regions for Aston Martin, and previously served as digital experience and marketing director at Mercedes Benz.

"The art of storytelling is the most important tool in a marketer's arsenal," said David Marine, chief marketing officer of Anywhere Brands. "I am excited to see Brandon lead the Coldwell Banker brand marketing team where he will be crafting, planning for and delivering the brand's narrative in a compelling way to real estate professionals and consumers alike."

"I am thrilled to bring my vision to the most iconic name in the real estate industry," said Newman. 

"Forging deep brand experiences for consumers, global networks and stakeholders is part of my DNA, and I look forward to shining a light on this deep legacy with impactful and inspiring stories," Newman added.

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