People on the Move at NAR, RE/MAX, Zillow and more 

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. 

NAR hires first industry relations exec

After a tough couple of years marked by lawsuits, settlements and media scrutiny — all of which have led to "rumblings" of discontent within the industry — the National Association of Realtors is trying to foster unity among its members.

Enter Jarrod Grasso, NAR's newly appointed (and first-ever) senior vice president of industry relations. While Grasso won't be engaging with the agent community directly, he will work with association and MLS leaders at all levels to "ensure that the association remains at the forefront of innovation, collaboration and advocacy within the industry," according to a news release. 

Prior to his appointment, Grasso was CEO of New Jersey Realtors, where he previously served as VP of government affairs and chief lobbyist. He has also been active at the national level for many years, including stints as an NAR director and committee chair.

Having a liaison who understands association and member needs "is critical to ensure we're hearing real-time feedback about challenges leaders face so they can be addressed quickly," said NAR CEO Nykia Wright, who said Grasso has an "extraordinary reputation across the industry."

NAR President Kevin Sears echoed that sentiment, noting that he has "personally witnessed" Grasso's collaborative approach. "I have full confidence in his extensive experience. He is well suited in this role to showcase the bonds that unite our Realtor family and ensure we're collaborating effectively at every level."

For his part, Grasso said he looks forward to creating "meaningful solutions" for members. "By fostering strong relationships and addressing critical industry priorities, we can help members remain indispensable to their clients and communities."

RE/MAX taps former Christie's president for top growth role

Chris Lim is joining RE/MAX as chief growth officer and executive vice president, the company announced this week. He will lead the teams supporting U.S. franchise growth.

Lim brings more than two decades of experience to the brand and has served in several executive roles over the past 10 years, most recently as president of Christie's International Real Estate from 2021-2023. He briefly moved into a senior advisory role in Sept. 2023 after Natalie Hamrick and Kevin Van Eck replaced him as Christie's co-presidents.

The hiring announcement comes less than two weeks after RE/MAX President Amy Lessinger submitted her resignation. She was in the role for less than a year.  

Lim began his career as an agent, and soon after launched a brokerage that was later acquired by Realogy (now Anywhere). He eventually was recruited by @properties, expanding the firm's reach and leading its acquisition of Christie's International Real Estate (the combined @properties Christie's brokerage was recently acquired by an even bigger fish, Compass). 

"I've lived every part of this business," Lim said about his new role. "I've scaled and sold a company. I've launched brands. I've recruited agents and helped affiliates grow their businesses. Now, I get to bring all of those experiences together to help RE/MAX affiliates not just meet their goals but exceed them." 

He also said his vision was closely aligned with that of RE/MAX Holdings CEO Erik Carlson's, who said Lim "brings a unique combination of strategic insight, operational excellence and relationship-building to the table. … He's the right person to help us grow and lead the charge into the future."

Zillow brings on versatile sales exec to lead Flex program

Business executive Zuhairah Washington has joined Zillow as the company's SVP of market operations and Flex general manager, the company announced.

A big area of focus for Washington will be expanding the company's enhanced markets — an integrated homebuying program that brings together Premier Agents and Zillow Home Loans professionals — which has grown from nine markets at the end of 2023 to 43 markets in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Washington brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including as general manager at Uber, overseeing one of the company's largest markets, and SVP and general manager at Expedia, leading a team of 1,000 sales professionals. Most recently, she was CEO of the online fashion platform Otrium after previously serving as president and COO. 

The throughline in these various roles, according to a news release, is Washington's ability to scale operations, build teams and grow revenue — something Zillow says will help the company expand its integrated housing "super app" experience to new markets and strengthen its offering in existing markets.

"Homeownership is at the heart of the American dream, and for many, that journey begins on Zillow. I'm thrilled to join this dynamic company dedicated to transforming this pivotal milestone into a seamless and integrated experience," said Washington.

RealScout bolsters leadership with C-level appointments, new (but familiar) CEO

Andrew Flachner is back at the helm of the company he co-founded, taking over the role of president and CEO of RealScout from Arthur Kaneko, who will continue to provide advisory support.

The company has also promoted VP of Engineering Nick Blumenthal to chief operating officer and hired former Placester exec Seth Price as RealScout's first chief marketing officer. 

The leadership changes coincide with a period of rapid growth, RealScout said in a news release. The company's annual recurring revenue increased 40% in the past year, while its lead nurture platform has reached 84% more buyers and sellers during that time.

Agents and brokers grappling with tighter margins and higher lead gen costs "are under more pressure than ever, and we're committed to providing the tools they need to succeed," said Flachner. "With our strengthened leadership team, RealScout is positioned to help our customers navigate today's challenges while driving sustainable growth and profitability."

LPT recruits Compass broker to lead operations at new luxury brand

Aperture Lifestyle Real Estate — LPT's newly launched lifestyle brand — is ramping up with the help of Mercedes Saewitz, the company's new SVP of operations. 

Saewitz joins Aperture from Compass, where she was principal broker for Florida, national head broker representative and the leader of one of the company's largest teams. During her 20+ years in the industry, she has worked across real estate sectors including high-end residential, commercial and development.

In her new role as SVP of operations, Saewitz will lead the company's strategic growth efforts and oversee compliance, risk management and transactional success.

"Mercedes's addition to the team marks a significant milestone for LPT," said Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Holdings. "Her exceptional track record, coupled with her passion for driving success, aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering agents and elevating the real estate experience for all stakeholders."

Aperture, a new luxury division of LPT, launched earlier this month and "is a key component of our plans for international expansion," said Michael Valdes, CEO of LPT International Realty. Valdes joined LPT last summer to support the fast-growing firm's global ambitions.