Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month and don’t forget to include a photo!
Leadership appointments
OREA welcomes Cathy Polan as 2025 president
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has appointed Belleville-based Realtor Cathy Polan as its 2025 President, following the association’s Annual General Meeting on Mar. 27. Polan will represent Ontario’s nearly 100,000 Realtors.
“I’m honoured to be taking on the role of OREA president in 2025…” Polan says in a press release. “As Realtors, building stronger communities is at the heart of everything we do, and during such a pivotal time, it’s more important than ever that we work together to keep the dream of homeownership alive for the next generation.”
Also announced was Kimberly Fairley, of Sault Ste. Marie, as the 2025 president-elect and provincial director for Northern Ontario.
New to OREA’s 2025 board of directors::
- Manny Andrade, director-at-large
- Alison Porter, provincial director for Western Ontario
- Mark Malinoff, provincial director for Eastern Ontario
- Tehreem Kamal, provincial director for Central Ontario
- Don McColl, provincial director for Northeastern Ontario
Nova Scotia Realtors elect Suzanne Gravel as president
The Nova Scotia Association of Realtors (NSAR) has named Suzanne Gravel, broker at Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd., as its new president. Gravel, a long-time volunteer leader with NSAR, assumed the role at the association’s AGM on Mar. 26, taking over from past president Andrew Gilroy. Gravel will represent Nova Scotia’s 2,100 Realtors.
Nancy Savard named managing director, Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec
Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec has named Nancy Savard as managing director. With over two decades of industry experience, Savard will work closely with Agency Executive Officer Georges Gaucher to support brokerage operations and further the brand’s presence across Montreal, Saint-Sauveur, Brossard and other key markets in the province.
Savard has previously served in leadership roles at Re/Max and Via Capitale and currently sits on several real estate industry boards and committees.
Brokerage expansions and conversions
Century 21 Signature Service opens in Mississauga with veteran leadership
Industry veteran Nelson Goulart has joined Century 21 Canada, launching Century 21 Signature Service in Mississauga, Ont., alongside his wife and business partner Maria Goulart. Their 45-person team transitioned from Better Homes and Gardens, citing Century 21’s technology and support as key factors.
Goulart brings more than 35 years of experience to the new venture, including previous leadership roles at the Mississauga Real Estate Board and within brokerage ownership and corporate management.
Re/Max Realtron expands into Barrie with 13th office
RE/MAX Realtron & Royal Properties celebrated the grand opening of its 13th office in Barrie, Ont., on March 11. The event marked the company’s strategic expansion into the Simcoe region and was attended by leadership, agents and local stakeholders.
“As we continue to expand, Barrie was a natural choice,” said Broker-Owner Alex Pilarski. “We’re excited to bring our expertise and top-tier service to the community.”
Industry recognition
Re/Max ranked most trusted real estate brand in Canada
Re/Max has been named the #1 Most Trusted Real Estate Agent brand in both the U.S. and Canada, according to the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards in partnership with Newsweek. This marks the seventh time Canadian consumers have awarded Re/Max this
The award follows Re/Max’s digital rebrand, which included an update to its iconic balloon.
Notable industry shifts
Christopher Alexander joins Hyyve Advisory Board
Christopher Alexander, former president of Re/Max Canada, has joined the Advisory Board of Hyyve, a platform that allows Realtors to bid on listings. Alexander’s move comes shortly after stepping down from Re/Max on March 3.
Keller Williams partners with private equity firm, appoints new CEO
Keller Williams has sold an investment stake to Stone Point Capital, aiming to accelerate long-term growth. As part of the transition, the company has named Christopher Czarnecki as CEO and President.
“This partnership is about giving us the ability to innovate and expand,” said Czarnecki, who brings over 20 years of real estate leadership experience, including serving as CEO of Broadstone Net Lease.
Company co-founder Gary Keller emphasized his ongoing role in shaping the company’s future. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I’m excited for the future and I’m excited to be entering the most prolific writing, teaching and coaching phase of my 48-year career in real estate. I love this company and I’m not going anywhere.”
Want your team’s latest success featured in next month’s column? Reach out to editor@realestatemagazine.ca with your announcement and a high-res photo by the 26th!