Gary Keller steps down as KW CEO and remains executive chairman of board. Plus, new CEO named.
“Effective immediately, I am stepping down from my role as CEO of Keller Williams Realty,” says KW Founder Gary Keller. “This move will allow me the opportunity to get back to my passion—placing my focus on the vision for our industry, consulting our amazing agents and leaders, and building the models and systems for tomorrow’s real estate environment.” As of today, Keller will be Executive Chairman of the Board.
This news comes along with a new parent holding company, called KWx and a new CEO, Carl Liebert who brings more than 30 years of experience leading customer-driven transformations and developing strategic, operational and process excellence within retail, financial services, and industrial organizations.
“As President, Josh Team assumes all duties and responsibilities I 
previously held as CEO,” says Keller. “Keller Williams Realty will no longer have a CEO; however, I am now Executive Chairman of the Board.” He adds, “As president, Josh has successfully led Keller Williams Realty to achieve record-level success across all major metrics of our business. From the time I took over the CEO position, my goal was to move into the role of executive chairman. Josh has made that move possible more quickly and confidently than I could have imagined.”
KWx, a holding company, will represent the collection of all Keller Williams affiliates and subsidiaries—including Keller Williams Realty, Keller Williams Worldwide, Keller Mortgage, Keller Covered, Keller Offers—to create alignment, scale and efficiencies across the Keller Williams ecosystem.
When asked what his first order of business is, Liebert said, “In the time that I’ve [spent] with Gary Keller and the team, it is clear that my first order of business is to listen to and learn from the minds that have driven Keller Williams and its subsidiaries to incredible heights. Then, I will lead with one focus—to deliver on the promise we have made to our associates and maintain the momentum we have at our back.” He adds, “It’s also critical that as we continue to navigate the pandemic, that we ensure everything we do leads with the safety of our agents and clients at the forefront.”
Says Leibert, “Keller Williams has the market share, the vision and leadership, and unwavering commitment to keep the agent at the center of the holistic real estate experience. I look forward to joining the team on this journey.”
Bill Soteroff will remain president of Keller Williams Worldwide, the international division of Keller Williams.
About Keller Williams
Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams, the world’s largest real estate technology franchise by agent count, has more than 1,070 offices and 185,000 associates. The franchise is also No. 1 in units and sales volume in the United States. In 2015, KW began its evolution into a technology company, now building the real estate platform that agents’ buyers and sellers prefer. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven and education-based culture that rewards agents as stakeholders. For more information, visit kw.com.
