Compass’ head of communications is leaving the firm

Sources said decision was mutual

Julie Binder and Robert Reffkin
Julie Binder and Robert Reffkin

Julie Binder — Compass‘ head of communications and a member of its leadership team — is leaving the company this month.

Sources said the decision was mutual, and that Binder planned to return to brand consulting, which she did early in her career.

At Compass, which she joined in January 2017, Binder was charged with building up a communications team during a period of rapid growth, fueled in part by SoftBank‘s $450 million investment in December 2017.

Prior to Compass, Binder was a vice president of global communications at Percolate, a content marketing platform, and she held senior positions at ADT and the public relations firm Ruder Finn.

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“I am proud of the work my team has done,” Binder said in a statement. CEO Robert Reffkin said Binder had been a “great partner” in shaping Compass’ mission and culture.

Compass said Binder’s departure is effective August 15. It has opened a search for a new communications leader. In the interim, Tiffany LaBanca is the interim team leader and Erika Sheridan is leading PR.

Since landing the SoftBank investment, Compass has accelerated its growth around the country, where it’s been acquiring firms and launching new cities in quick succession.

Compass currently has more than 4,000 agents nationwide. Last week, it said it was launching a commercial division and had hired Adelaide Polsinelli in New York.  Compass is also looking to license some of its tech and marketing tools to boutique firms, although its first licensing deal ended a few days after it was announced.