Michael S. Liebowitz

There’s distress and then there’s outright disaster. Douglas Elliman boss Michael Liebowitz is well versed in both. 

No one in real estate these days can avoid the effects — direct or indirect — of market distress. Liebowitz has also dealt lately with a form of corporate distress, taking the post of president and CEO of the publicly traded brokerage in late 2024. His elevation came on the heels of the sudden resignation of longtime leader Howard Lorber amid intense scrutiny over concerns of a sexually charged workplace culture and a cloud over its share price. 

Liebowitz has seen worse. He saw true disaster during his days in the insurance business, when he handled the World Trade Center account immediately prior to 9/11. He has handled the relative challenges at Douglas Elliman deftly so far, overseeing a sale of the company’s property management business for $85 million and renewing a focus on growing Elliman’s core brokerage business. 

Liebowitz’ varied resume includes experience as an investor and executive with more than 25 years of experience across the insurance, financial and real estate sectors. He’s also intersected with real estate from various angles before joining Douglas Elliman as a member of its board after the firm spun off from Vector Group in 2021. He has spoken about his close relationship with Lorber, who he met when he was in his 20s, and is also a partner with developer Russell Galbut (see related entry) on the Mondrian Hotel in Miami’s South Beach and other investments.