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After more than a year at the helm, Mark Willis is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of Keller Williams, management announced in an internal email to employees on Wednesday.
Willis will transition to a chief executive officer position, Keller Williams founder Gary Keller told the company’s employees and leaders in an email obtained by Inman.
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“I have nothing but deep gratitude and respect for Mark and his decades of leadership in our organization,” Keller wrote. “Teaching and developing leaders has always been a true passion of Mark’s, and we are excited for him to take on this new role,” added Keller. “When Mark rejoined our team, he and I talked about this role as Mark’s true calling, and I’m happy that this is finally happening.”
Stacie Herron, Keller Williams’ chief legal and administrative officer, will also serve as interim CEO as the company searches for its next CEO, according to Keller.
“As part of this transition, we have made changes to our work organization to ensure seamless handover of responsibilities and continued alignment with our strategic goals,” Keller said.
Keller described the new structure as follows:
Direct reports to Gary Keller, founder and executive chairman:
- Jason Abrams, Head of Industry and Learning
- Cody Gibson, Vice President of KW MAPS Coaching
- Jay Papasan, Vice President of Strategic Content
Direct reports to John Keller, vice chairman:
- Shawn Cauthen, Vice President of Creative Media Content
- Alex Perica, Executive Director of Events
- Micheal Balistreri, Interim Director of Marketing
Direct reports to Stacie Herron, chief operating officer, chief legal officer:
- Bill Soteroff, President of KWW
- Wendi Harrelson, President of KWRI Managed Regions
- John Clidy, Vice President of Growth
- Jane Devine, Chief of Staff
Willis is a veteran of Keller Williams, beginning with 11 years as team leader in Austin from 1991 to 2002 before being promoted to president and then the company’s first CEO. He remained in that role for ten years before leaving KW in 2015 to focus on thought leadership and philanthropy through Mark Willis Leadership and the Willis Family Foundation.
Willis is stepping down 14 months after his controversial return as CEO of Keller Williams. In January 2022, the long-standing feud between KW and eXp Realty intensified when eXp tried to woo Willis and KW filed a lawsuit alleging Willis’ ownership of the business and the two states gave him access to confidential information eXp would have at the time. know to.
After a brief legal dispute, the companies agreed to settle the case under confidential terms in May 2022. Willis returned to Keller Williams as a strategic advisor in July 2023 and returned as CEO in November 2023.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve twice as CEO of this wonderful organization,” Willis said in a statement.
“Now, I’m excited to take on a new challenge as I move into a new role that Gary and I have worked together for a long time to establish. As Chief Leadership Officer, I will focus on helping our leaders grow and fulfill their highest potential.
“We have a lot to do together, and I look forward to being a part of that journey moving forward, I am confident in the company’s future and continued growth.”
Read Keller’s entire email below:
KW Family,
Effective today, Mark Willis is transitioning from CEO and president to Chief Leadership Officer of Keller Williams. I have nothing but deep gratitude and respect for Mark and his years of leadership within our organization. Teaching and developing leaders has always been Mark’s true passion, and we are excited for him to take on this new role. When Mark first joined our team, he and I talked about this role as Mark’s true calling, and I’m glad this is finally happening.
———————–
“It has been an honor in my life to serve twice as CEO of this wonderful organization. Now, I’m excited to take on a new challenge as I transition into a new role that Gary and I have worked together for a long time to establish. As Chief Leadership Officer, I will focus on helping our leaders grow and fulfill their highest potential.
We have a lot to do together, and I look forward to being a part of that journey forward, I am confident in the company’s future and continued growth.”
– Mark Willis, Chief Leadership Officer
———————–
As we look to identify our next CEO, we have asked Stacie Herron, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. I am confident that he will succeed in this expanded role. John Keller, in his role as Vice Chairman, will continue to oversee the leadership team. I look forward to working closely with Stacie, John, and the rest of the leadership team as we lead the company through this transition and drive the future of our business.
As part of this transition, we have made changes to our work organization to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities and continued alignment with our strategic objectives. The new structure follows:
Thank you for your trust in us as we navigate this exciting new chapter. Together, we will build on a strong foundation and ensure a bright future for our market center owners, agents, and the communities we serve.
Please join me in thanking Mark for his outstanding leadership and welcoming Stacie to her new role.
Continue…
Gary Keller
Founder and Executive Chairman
Keller Williams Realty
Email Andrea V. Brambila.
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