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Mark Willis will step down as president and CEO of Keller Williams after more than a year in the role, executives announced in an internal email to employees Wednesday.
In an email obtained by Inman, Keller Williams co-founder Gary Keller informed the company’s employees and field leaders that Willis would be transitioning to the role of chief executive officer.
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“I have nothing but deep gratitude and respect for Mark and his decades of leadership within our organization,” Keller wrote. “Educating and developing leaders has always been a true passion of Mark’s, and we are excited to have him lead this new role,” added Keller. “When Mark first rejoined our team, he and I talked about how this role was Mark’s true calling, and I’m energized that this is finally happening. ”
Keller Williams’ current chief legal and administrative officer, Stacy Herron, will also serve as interim chief operating officer while the company searches for its next CEO, Keller said.
“As part of this transition, we have adjusted our mission organization to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities and continued alignment with strategic objectives,” Keller said.
Mr. Keller outlined the new organization as follows:
Reporting to Gary Keller, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman:
Jason Abrams, Head of Industry and Learning Cody Gibson, VP of Coaching, KW MAPS Jay Papasan, VP of Strategic Content
He will report to Vice Chairman John Keller.
Shawn Cauthen, Vice President of Creative Media Content Alex Perica, Senior Director of Events Michael Balistreri, Interim Director of Marketing
He will report to Stacie Herron, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer.
Bill Soteloff, KWW President Wendy Harrelson, KWRI Ownership Region President John Clidy, VP of Growth Jane Devine, Chief of Staff
Willis is a Keller Williams veteran who spent 11 years as a team leader in Austin from 1991 to 2002 before being promoted to president and then serving as the company’s CEO for the first time. He remained in the role for 10 years before retiring from KW in 2015 to focus on thought leadership and philanthropy through Mark Willis Leadership and the Willis Family Foundation.
Willis will step down 14 months after his controversial return as CEO of Keller Williams. In January 2022, the long-standing conflict between KW and eXp Realty reached a boiling point when eXp attempted to recruit Willis, this time with KW claiming that Willis’ ownership in the franchise and the two territories had been compromised by Willis. He filed a lawsuit for allegedly giving him access to confidential information. Things to know.
After a brief legal battle, the two companies agreed to settle the case on confidential terms in May 2022. Mr. Willis returned to Keller Williams as a strategic consultant in July 2023 and as CEO in November 2023.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve twice as CEO of this great organization,” Willis said in a statement.
“Now, I am excited to take on new challenges as I transition into a new role that Gary and I have worked together for some time to develop. We are committed to helping you achieve your potential.
“We have much more to do together. I am confident in the company’s future direction and continued growth and look forward to joining its journey forward.”
Read Mr. Keller’s full email below.
KW family,
Effective today, Mark Willis will transition from his role as CEO and President to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Keller Williams. I have nothing but deep gratitude and respect for Mark and his decades of leadership within our organization. Educating and developing leaders has always been Mark’s true passion and we are thrilled to have him lead this new role. When Mark first rejoined our team, he and I discussed how this role was Mark’s true calling. And I’m encouraged that it’s finally happening.
——————–
“It has been the honor of my life to serve twice as CEO of this great organization. Now, I am excited to take on new challenges as I transition into a new role that Gary and I have worked together for some time to develop. As Chief Leadership Officer, I will be focused on helping leaders grow and achieve their highest potential.
We have much more to do together and are confident in the company’s future direction and continued growth, and look forward to joining its journey forward. ”
– Mark Willis, Chief Leadership Officer
——————–
In determining our next CEO, we have asked Stacey Herron, our current Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, to serve as our interim Chief Operating Officer. I am confident that she will excel in this expanded role. John Keller will continue to oversee the management team in his role as vice chairman. I look forward to working closely with Stacey, John and the rest of the management team to lead the company through this transition and drive the future of the business.
As part of this transition, we have adjusted our business organization to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities and continued alignment with our strategic goals. The new structure is:
Thank you for trusting us as we move forward with this exciting new chapter. Together, we will build a strong foundation and ensure a bright future for market center owners, agents, and the communities we serve.
We would like to thank Mark for his outstanding leadership and welcome Stacey to her new role.
from now on…
Gary Keller
Co-founder and Executive Chairman
keller williams realty
Email Andrea V. Brambilla.
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