After six years at the helm of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, President and CEO Don Kottick has announced his resignation, effective Apr. 23. He is stepping down to pursue new opportunities.
Kottick’s departure follows a period of significant growth for the brokerage. Under his leadership, sales volume rose from $4-billion to $10-billion, and the agent population nearly doubled, he recently told REM.
A familiar face in Canadian real estate
A well-known figure in Canada’s real estate industry, Kottick previously served as executive vice president of corporate development at Peerage Realty Partners, where he was one of three founding members. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at Right At Home Realty, Johnston & Daniel, AlignMark and AutoTrader.ca.
Kottick has also been an active figure in organized real estate. He served as director at large for the Canadian Real Estate Association from 2017 to 2021, national director for the Real Estate Institute of Canada from 2014 to 2019, and held leadership positions with the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, including director at large and vice president of technology & business development.
“I decided to step down to explore other opportunities,” Kottick said in a brief statement, though no further details were revealed. His next move is highly anticipated within the industry.
Kottick’s leadership style
In a January 2025 profile for REM, columnist Natalka Falcomer highlighted Kottick’s leadership style: “Kottick’s leadership journey offers a blueprint for managerial success in real estate. By prioritizing people, leveraging technology wisely and remaining adaptable in the face of change, he has not only navigated the complexities of the industry but has also inspired those around him to reach new heights.”
Next steps for Sotheby’s Canada
Following Kottick’s departure, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada will be led by an interim leadership team. According to an internal email obtained by REM, Evan Shandler has been promoted to chief operating officer, and Elaine Hung will continue as chief marketing officer, both based in Vancouver. Effi Barak, a consultant with Peerage Realty Partners and former CFO at a Bay Street law firm, will serve as interim president from the Toronto office.
Tara Brown, CEO of Peerage Realty Partners, confirmed that the search for a permanent CEO is underway. “We have started the search process for a new CEO to champion Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s ongoing growth, building on the positive momentum of last year and the first quarter of this year,” she stated.
Jordana is the editor of Real Estate Magazine. You can reach her by email.