Berkshire Hathaway’s behemoth brokerage HomeServices of America is getting new leadership as it expands its footprint across the country.
Gino Blefari has been appointed CEO of the company, Inman reported. He was previously CEO of HSF Affiliates, the subsidiary that operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living franchise networks. Former CEO and founder Ron Peltier will become the company’s executive chairman.
The change comes as HomeServices of America has been growing nationwide. Last year, the brokerage acquired Ebby Halliday, the largest indie brokerage in North Texas. And this month, it acquired one of its parent company’s own franchisees, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty — expanding its Florida footprint by 1,750 agents and 40 offices.
Through acquisitions, the company grown to 900 offices with 42,000 agents, the report said.
Blefari joined the real estate industry more than 30 years ago. He previously held a leadership role at rival NRT — and founded Silicon Valley-based Intero Real Estate Services, which was acquired by HomeServices of America in 2014.
The brokerage’s management change follows other recent C-suite shakeups. Earlier this month, Keller WIlliams said Gary Keller is returning as CEO of his namesake brokerage, replacing John Davis who was in the role for nearly two years. And Century 21 CEO Nick Bailey announced he would be stepping down. He held his role for nearly two years, but did not say if he was moving to another firm. [Inman] — Meenal Vamburkar