HousingWireHousingWire
Berkshire Hathaway’s HomeServices of America has a new CEO, promoting Executive Vice President Chris Kelly as former CEO Gino Blefari steps into a new role.
Blefari, who has served as president and CEO of the company for more than five years, is stepping down from the role and transitioning into the position of chairman emeritus, effective immediately.
Blefari will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity, including work with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network as it expands its executive leadership.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as president and CEO of HomeServices of America,” Blefari said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the exceptional team we have built. I look forward to supporting our new leadership team as they lead HomeServices into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and continued industry leadership.”
Kelly will assume the role of president and CEO and brings more than 25 years of experience in the real estate sector. He began his career as a real estate and finance attorney before joining the company in 2007 as general counsel for Kansas City-based ReeceNichols.
He later served as president and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies in North Texas.
“The true strength of HomeServices has always been our people and the incredible leadership team across our companies,” Kelly said. “I am incredibly humbled to step into this role following Gino Blefari, an industry icon, and to partner with our team to continue driving what makes HomeServices so unique — our position as the preeminent full-service real estate brokerage.
“Our mission is simple; to support our professionals in every way possible as they serve their clients and communities. We have no doubts about having the most professional, focused team in the industry, and we look forward to working together to shape the future of real estate.”
Following a March report of Compass being in “advanced talks” to acquire HomeServices of America from Berkshire Hathaway, Blefari spearheaded the company response denying that a deal was coming.
“Many of you may be aware of articles published in the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere today stating that HomeServices of America was in talks to be sold to Compass,” he wrote to company brokers. “I want to confirm to you that there are no discussions, negotiations, or agreements to sell HomeServices or any of its affiliated companies, and that includes the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise business.”
