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Another leadership shakeup at HomeServices of America, Inc. has a new executive in at Sotheby’s International Realty.
Mary Lee Blaylock, previous senior vice president at Berkshire Hathaway affiliate HomeServices of America, has been named president of brokerage at Sotheby’s International Realty, the firm announced on Monday.
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Blaylock will lead the luxury brand’s company-owned brokerage operations, which include overseeing 48 U.S. offices that encompass more than 2,300 affiliated agents who represented $20 billion in annual sales volume in 2024. At Sotheby’s Realty, she will work to enhance local market positioning and drive long-term growth.
“At every step in my career, I have admired Sotheby’s International Realty,” Blaylock said in a statement. “The brand has set the standard for client representation and marketing luxury homes worldwide. The reputation of the advisors affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty is peerless, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise and passion to serve them.”
Sotheby’s International Realty President and CEO Philip White added that Blaylock’s track record would help propel the firm forward.
“Mary Lee’s extensive industry knowledge, proven leadership track record … and genuine ability to build strong relationships will undoubtedly drive our company-owned brokerage operations to new heights,” White said. “Our agents will benefit from her strategic vision, hands-on approach, and commitment to our extraordinarily high standards that will further equip our advisors to deliver unparalleled service and transact for their clients.”
HomeServices of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Blaylock’s move.
Blaylock has more than 30 years of residential real estate experience. Before serving as HomeServices of America’s senior vice president, she was president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. While there, she helped spearhead the launch of the brand’s National Luxury Division and was in charge of 56 offices, 350 employees and 3,000 agents.
About a week ago, Gino Blefari, HomeServices’ previous president and CEO, announced his retirement into an advisory role at the company. Chris Kelly, who had been serving as executive vice president, has now stepped into the CEO role. The move occurred about a month after rumors swirled that Compass was potentially in talks to buy Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. HomeServices of America denied the claims.
Blaylock has been named one of the 100 most powerful leaders in residential real estate by the Swanepoel Power 200 and was inducted into the RISMedia Hall of Fame in 2023.
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