TEXAS: Keller Williams (KW), the global leader in residential real estate franchising based on agent count, has announced the immediate appointment of Mark Willis as CEO.
Gary Keller, Co-founder, and Executive Chairman of KW expressed enthusiasm about the leadership change, stating, “We are excited to announce that Mark Willis has joined our leadership team as CEO. With a deep knowledge of our company and our culture, Mark is well-suited to lead us through our next growth phase.”
In the current uncertain landscape of the real estate industry, Keller emphasized the significance of having a leader intimately familiar with the company and possessing a profound understanding of business at the highest level. Keller stated, “With so much uncertainty surrounding the real estate industry today, it’s never been more important to have a leader who thoroughly knows us and understands business at the highest level. That’s Mark Willis.”
As the newly appointed CEO, Mark Willis, a former KW CEO, current franchisee, and long-standing member of the KW ecosystem, will leverage his extensive knowledge and expertise to drive growth for KW agents and market center owners.
“I’m excited to remain partnered with our KW agents, leaders, owners, and Gary Keller, a once-in-a-generation business leader. Only together can we drive our vision to be the real estate company of choice for agents and customers,” commented Willis.
Willis, who rejoined the executive team as a strategic consultant in July 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has served KW in various leadership capacities since 1991, including roles such as regional director, operating principal, team leader, and investor in KW market centers and regions.
“Keller Williams has the best success models for agents and brokerages to thrive no matter the economic, industry, or business challenges,” said Willis, emphasizing KW’s resilience and innovative approach since its inception in 1983.
Mark Willis previously served as KW’s president from 2002 to 2005 and as CEO from 2005 to 2015.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate franchise with over 1,100 offices and 187,000 agents. The franchise holds the top position in units and sales volume in the United States.
Since its establishment in 1983, Keller Williams has fostered an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards agents as stakeholders.