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Seasoned business and real estate executive Gavin Swartzman has joined Christie’s International Real Estate as its new president, the firm has revealed to Inman.
The announcement was first made internally by co-CEOs Thad Wong and Mike Golden at Christie’s International Real Estate’s annual conference, which took place in New York City May 5-8, 2025. Swartzman will start his appointment in June.
Thad Wong | @properties Christie’s International Real Estate
“Gavin brings a resume and skillset to Christie’s International Real Estate that is one of one,” Wong said in a statement. “I can’t name another leader in this industry who has overseen multiple brokerage firms; has walked in the shoes of our affiliates; has experience with some of the most respected brands in luxury real estate; has an extensive background in M&A; and has managed in both public and private companies. Gavin has done it all with a track record for growth and success that is unmatched. It’s a dream scenario for the network.”
Swartzman steps into the role as president following the recent departures of former co-presidents Natalie Hamrick and Kevin Van Eck, both of whom left within the last three months for leadership positions at Anywhere Franchise Brands and Maverix, respectively. As president, Swartzman will oversee global expansion and strategy for Christie’s International Real Estate, which spans more than 100 member firms across 50 countries and territories.
Most recently, Swartzman served for 11 years as CEO of Toronto-based Peerage Realty Partners. The holding company owns and operates several brokerages in the U.S. and Canada, including franchise affiliates of Christie’s International Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty and Century 21. Swartzman announced at the beginning of April that he would be stepping down from the CEO role at Peerage Realty Partners.
Gavin Swartzman | @properties Christie’s International Real Estate
“My initial exposure to the distinctive enterprise of luxury real estate was through my work with long-time Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate Chestnut Park,” Swartzman said in a statement. “This formative experience, early in my industry career, established my passion for this specialized segment of the business and the people who support it. Christie’s International Real Estate has the opportunity to be the preeminent luxury real estate brand in the world, and I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with our affiliates, agents and management team to realize that vision.”
Peerage Realty Partners was the 10th largest real estate company in the U.S. in 2024, according to the latest T3 Sixty Mega 1000 report. Swartzman was also named as one of the 50 most influential real estate leaders in 2025, according to the Swanepoel Power 200 report.
Mike Golden | @properties Christie’s International Real Estate
“As impressive as Gavin’s background is, what stands out even more is how the people who have worked with him talk about his character and his human qualities as a leader,” Golden said in a statement. “From our first conversations with Gavin, Thad and I knew he was a perfect fit for our culture and our top choice to help take Christie’s International Real Estate where we want to go.”
@properties acquired Christie’s International Real Estate at the end of 2021. Since then, the network has added nearly four dozen new affiliates globally. Compass then acquired @properties Christie’s International Real Estate at the beginning of 2025.
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