An ongoing shakeup at Douglas Elliman has swept up another long-time company executive, with a new focus on regional decision making and autonomy.
Stephen Kotler, who serves as CEO of Elliman’s western region, is stepping down to “return to his true passion of direct client sales,” according to an internal company-wide email sent by Elliman President and CEO Michael Liebowitz obtained by RISMedia.
“This transition marks an exciting opportunity to advance our vision of creating an entrepreneurial, agent-centric brokerage of the future,” Liebowitz wrote. “Our new structure will enable faster, localized decision-making, support targeted growth in luxury markets, and enhance our recruitment and retention initiatives.”
Representatives for Douglas Elliman did not immediately respond to emailed requests from RISMedia. Kotler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Bill Begert, current the chief operating officer for the company’s western region, will step into Kotler’s role. Begert came to Elliman from Corcoran in 2018, and does not come from a real estate background, having previously worked as an art curator before joining Corcoran as an executive assistant.
Peter Hernandez, Catherine Lee and Joshua Saslove will take over brokerage operations in California, Texas and Colorado, respectively. Saslove and Hernandez both have storied real estate backgrounds, while Lee came into the industry in 2010 with Houston-based Sudhoff Companies, which joined Douglas Elliman to become the company’s Texas branch in 2019. Previously, Lee owned almost two dozen Applebess franchises and practiced law.
“These exceptional leaders will report directly to me with increased autonomy to make region-specific decisions around recruitment, retention and marketing that best serve our agents and clients,” Liebowitz wrote.
Elliman appears to still be in the middle of major leadership restructuring, following internal investigations and allegations of sexual misconduct, with Chairman Howard Lorber stepping down last October, followed swiftly by President and CEO Scott Durkin.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that “poor financial results” were a contributing factor in a push to remove Lorber, as was accusations against former star agents Tal and Oren Alexander, who are currently in prison facing numerous allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Kotler was another insider, having joined the company more than three decades ago in Southern California, leading one of the first Elliman teams operating outside of New York. He was named president of the company’s western operations in 2017, having previously served as chief operating officer.
A little over a year ago, Kotler moved to Texas, saying at the time that Elliman viewed that region as a major opportunity for growth.
All of us at Douglas Elliman are committed to agent success and look forward to helping you make 2025 your best year yet,” Liebowitz wrote.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to RISMedia for updates.
Editor’s note: this story was updated at 3:36 p.m. with significant new information regarding Kotler’s departure and leadership changes at Douglas Elliman.
