The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate 2025/2026 is officially announced. We are proud to unveil the first of our annual BUZZ 100 Most influential Executive Leaders, including the recipient of our highest distinction, Most Influential Voice in Canadian Real Estate 2025/2026.
As shared in our editorial piece on June 5, our selection process this year was guided by four defining principles that we believe help shape the now and the future of Canadian real estate – Responsibility, Sustainability, Relevancy, and Humility.
Our Top 25 executive leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to elevating the profession, inspiring meaningful change, and leading with purpose during a time when the industry continues to evolve. Their influence extends beyond business performance, reflecting a dedication to strengthening communities, advancing professional standards, and creating a lasting impact across the Canadian real estate landscape.
Today, we are honoured to recognize and celebrate the voices that are defining the next chapter of leadership in Canadian real estate.
We are honoured to recognize Don Kottick, President of REMAX Canada, as our Most Influential Voice in Canadian Real Estate 2025/2026.
With more than three decades of leadership across Canada’s real estate industry, Don Kottick has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, professional excellence, brokerage growth, and industry advancement. Since assuming the role of President of RE/MAX Canada in 2025, he has provided strategic leadership to one of the country’s largest real estate networks, representing more than 25,000 agents nationwide. During his tenure, Kottick has been instrumental in guiding the organization through complex and impactful decisions, setting a clear standard for leadership grounded in accountability, resilience, and responsibility. His approach has helped reinforce confidence across the RE/MAX network while strengthening the brand’s position within the Canadian real estate landscape. Respected by brokers, REALTORS®, industry partners, and consumers alike, Don’s influence extends well beyond brand leadership. His vision, integrity, and dedication to elevating professional standards continue to shape the future of Canadian real estate. Congratulations, Don, on this well-deserved recognition. Your leadership, service, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the industry and continue to inspire professionals from coast to coast.
We are honoured to spotlight all the exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of real estate across Canada. These visionary leaders are being recognized not only for their remarkable achievements today but for their enduring impact on the past and future of our industry and it gives us great honour to begin our list with Don Kottick.
This prestigious annual distinction, The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate, presented by BUZZ BUZZ MEDIA, is the result of a rigorous and multi-dimensional evaluation process. In addition to our four guiding principles, candidates are assessed across six key criteria that reflect the depth of their influence, strength of leadership, and enduring contributions to their organizations, the real estate profession, and the broader Canadian real estate community. These criteria help identify the individuals who are shaping conversations, driving meaningful change, and elevating standards across the industry.
Leadership Role & Tenure – The individual’s seniority, scope of leadership, and years of service within Canada’s real estate ecosystem.
Organizational Impact – Their role in driving the strategic success, growth, and performance of their companies and the regions they serve.
Sector Contribution – The extent of their influence and contribution to advancing the broader Canadian real estate industry.
Professional Standards & Innovation – Their commitment to ethical leadership, governance excellence, knowledge-sharing, innovation, and continuous professional development.
Market Reach & Business Performance – The scale and performance of their organization within Canada’s real estate landscape.
Community Leadership & Advocacy – Their engagement in community upliftment, industry advocacy, housing accessibility and affordability, philanthropy, and efforts to build equitable and thriving communities for all Canadians.
We celebrate leadership that drives meaningful progress that not only advancing their respective organizations, but also redefining what it means to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose in Canadian real estate.
Congratulations to our next leaders in the Top 25:
2. John DiMichele – As Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and PropTx, John DiMichele is recognized as one of Canada’s most influential leaders in real estate innovation, data governance, and industry modernization. Combining extensive industry expertise with a deep understanding of technology, policy, and organized real estate, he has helped shape the evolution of the MLS® ecosystem through the Future-Facing MLS initiative and the creation of PropTx Innovations Inc., TRREB’s technology and data solutions subsidiary. A strong advocate for privacy protection, intellectual property rights, and responsible data stewardship, DiMichele continues to lead initiatives that strengthen the value and integrity of MLS® data while advancing innovation across the real estate sector. He has also championed research and strategic dialogue focused on enhancing the economic competitiveness, housing supply, infrastructure planning, and long-term livability of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region.
3. Jean Lepine – Jean Lépine is the current Administrator and Acting CEO of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). He was appointed by Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement effective December 1, 2025, following the government’s intervention at RECO in the aftermath of the iPro Realty scandal. Jean Lépine has led a significant modernization of RECO, focusing on strengthening brokerage financial oversight, enhancing trust account protections, modernizing governance and regulatory practices, elevating education standards for real estate professionals, and building a more data-driven, technology-enabled regulator. His leadership is centered on improving consumer protection, increasing transparency, and restoring confidence in Ontario’s real estate sector.
4. Janice Myers – As Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Janice Myers leads one of Canada’s most influential real estate organizations, representing more than 160,000 REALTORS® nationwide. With over two decades of executive leadership experience in governance, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, advocacy, and organizational development, she brings a deep understanding of both organized real estate and the evolving needs of professionals across the country. Prior to joining CREA in January 2024, Myers served as Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Real Estate Board and previously as Executive Director of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. Under her leadership, CREA continues to strengthen its federal advocacy efforts, advance innovation and technology solutions for REALTORS®, and enhance the value and reach of REALTOR.ca, Canada’s most trusted real estate platform. Her focus remains on elevating professionalism, supporting member success, and ensuring the real estate industry remains a vital contributor to Canada’s economic growth and housing future.
5. Trevor Koot – As Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), Trevor Koot is recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in organized real estate, governance, and industry transformation. With nearly two decades of experience serving the profession, he brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing REALTORS® and the critical role innovation, advocacy, and policy play in shaping the future of real estate. Throughout his career, Koot has held numerous leadership positions within British Columbia’s real estate sector, building a reputation for collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to governance excellence. Under his direction, BCREA has advanced initiatives focused on professional standards, regulatory modernization, housing policy, and industry innovation.
6. Phil Soper – As President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal LePage Canada, Phil Soper is widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in Canadian real estate. Under his leadership, Royal LePage has strengthened its position as one of the country’s most trusted and recognizable real estate brands, expanding its national network while fostering a culture of professionalism, innovation, and entrepreneurial success. A respected industry voice, Soper is known for his deep understanding of housing market dynamics, economic trends, and public policy issues affecting Canadian homeowners, investors, and real estate professionals. His insights are frequently sought by government, business leaders, and national media as Canada navigates evolving housing and affordability challenges.
7. Martin Charlwood – As Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Century 21 Canada, Martin Charlwood is recognized as one of the most influential and forward-thinking leaders in Canadian real estate. Under his leadership, the Century 21 brand has experienced significant growth and evolution, strengthening its position as one of the country’s most respected real estate networks while expanding its reach across Canada and internationally. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, Charlwood has championed innovation, technology adoption, agent development, and consumer-focused strategies that empower the more than 11,500 REALTORS® within the Century 21 system. His focus on delivering exceptional client experiences and elevating professional standards has helped drive sustained success throughout the organization.
8. Scott Neil – Scott Neil is the CEO of REALTOR.ca Canada Inc., where he is leading the evolution of Canada’s most recognized real estate platform. With more than two decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and digital transformation at major marketplace and technology companies, including Kijiji Canada, he brings a strong consumer-first and data-driven perspective to the real estate industry. Under his leadership, REALTOR.ca is focused on enhancing the consumer experience, advancing AI-powered tools and technology, strengthening value for REALTORS®, and positioning the platform for long-term growth in an increasingly digital marketplace. As one of the industry’s emerging technology leaders, Scott is helping shape the future of how Canadians discover, research, and transact real estate.
9. Karim Kennedy – Karim Kennedy is the Chief Executive Officer of Coldwell Banker Canada. He brings a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic leadership, and growth-focused vision to one of the world’s most recognized real estate brands. With an extensive background in banking, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate development, he has established a reputation for driving operational excellence, scalable growth, and long-term value creation. Since assuming leadership in 2021, Kennedy has spearheaded Coldwell Banker Canada’s national expansion strategy, strengthening the brand’s presence across the country while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance. Working alongside a strong leadership team, he has focused on equipping brokerages and agents with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace.
10. Joyce Paron – Joyce Paron is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Division of EXIT Realty Corp. Canada, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth, culture, and national success for more than two decades. Having joined EXIT shortly after its Canadian launch in 1997, Paron’s entrepreneurial vision, leadership expertise, and commitment to people-first principles have helped establish EXIT as one of Canada’s most respected real estate brands. She was named President of EXIT Canada in 2001 and later appointed CEO of the Canadian organization in 2021. Under her leadership, many EXIT brokerages have become market leaders within their communities, while the company’s agents consistently rank among the industry’s most productive professionals. Known for her servant-leadership philosophy, Paron has championed innovation, education, technology, and agent development, fostering a culture focused on collaboration, professional growth, and exceptional client service.
11. Jason Mercer – Jason Mercer is one of Canada’s most respected housing market analysts and serves as Chief Information Officer of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Canada’s largest real estate board. In this role, he leads the organization’s market analysis and housing research initiatives, oversees data strategy and MLS® information systems, and delivers critical market intelligence to more than 73,000 REALTOR® members. Recognized as a leading voice on Canadian real estate, Mercer is frequently sought out by national and regional media for his insights on housing affordability, market trends, interest rates, housing supply, consumer confidence, and economic factors influencing real estate activity. Through his research, public commentary, and industry leadership, he has become one of the most influential contributors to housing market discussions in Canada, helping shape understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing buyers, sellers, investors, and policymakers alike.
12. Andrew Cimerman – Andrew Cimerman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HomeLife Realty Services Inc., one of the largest Canadian-owned real estate franchisors in the country. Under his leadership, HomeLife has developed into a nationally recognized brokerage network known for its emphasis on innovation, education, and agent development, and has expanded its reach internationally through modern marketing strategies and technology-driven systems. Cimerman is closely associated with the development and growth of the HomeLife Five Star brand, which promotes elevated service standards across its sales representatives and brokers. The organization supports professional training through initiatives such as HomeLife University, while also advancing cooperative business models and long-term wealth-building through programs including Income For Life®.
13. Fred Cassano – Fred Cassano is a leading Canadian advisor in real estate strategy, investment, and tax planning, serving as Partner and National Real Estate Leader at PwC Canada. In this role, he leads the firm’s national real estate practice and works closely with developers, investors, owners, and industry stakeholders across the country to navigate complex financial, operational, and market-driven challenges. Cassano is also a key spokesperson for the annual Emerging Trends in Canadian Real Estate report, produced in collaboration with the Urban Land Institute. Through this platform, he contributes to shaping national dialogue on housing supply, capital markets, emerging asset classes, and long-term development trends. Widely recognized for his thought leadership, Cassano provides strategic insight into market cycles, capital flows, and evolving investment conditions. His work has positioned him as a respected voice in understanding the opportunities and structural challenges influencing Canada’s real estate landscape.
14. Brad Mitchell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), where he has led the organization’s strategic direction since 2018. In this role, Mitchell has overseen the implementation of AREA’s Strategic Plan, focusing on operational efficiency, member value, and long-term industry advancement across Alberta’s real estate sector. Under his leadership, AREA has introduced several key initiatives, including the expansion of AREA Wireless and the launch of Pillar 9, developed in partnership with local real estate boards to enhance MLS® data collaboration and market connectivity. Mitchell has also strengthened AREA’s advocacy efforts by deepening engagement with government stakeholders and establishing Alberta Government Liaison Days to support ongoing dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers. Recognized for his forward-looking leadership approach, Brad Mitchell continues to play a central role in shaping the future of Alberta’s real estate industry through innovation, governance, and strategic advocacy.
15. Benjamin Tal – Benjamin Tal is the Deputy Chief Economist at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he focuses on analyzing macroeconomic developments and their implications for financial markets, including fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities. In his role, Tal also provides strategic advisory support to senior bank leadership on matters related to wealth management, household credit, corporate risk, and broader credit market conditions. His analysis helps inform both internal decision-making and client-facing economic strategy across the institution. Widely recognized for his research and commentary, Tal has produced influential work on labour market dynamics, housing and real estate trends, credit conditions, international trade, and overall business cycle performance. His insights are frequently cited in discussions about Canada’s economic outlook, particularly in relation to housing affordability, interest rate policy, and consumer financial health, making him one of the more prominent voices in Canadian macroeconomic and real estate-related analysis.
16. Alan Tennant – Alan Tennant is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Real Estate Board, where he has provided executive leadership since 2011. In this role, he has guided the organization through a period of modernization and service expansion, with a strong focus on innovation, member support, and community impact across Calgary’s real estate sector. Under Tennant’s leadership, CREB has strengthened its operational and technological capabilities while enhancing services for REALTORS®. His tenure has included the development of initiatives such as REB Resources, designed to support non-profit organizations and strengthen community engagement. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to aligning industry leadership with social responsibility. Tennant has been widely recognized for his contributions to the profession, including receiving the Association Executive Network’s Award of Excellence in 2020 for his leadership, mentorship, and community service. A former President of the Canadian Real Estate Association, he is regarded as a national leader in advancing professionalism, technology adoption, and collaborative progress within Canada’s real estate industry.
17. Bill Duce – Bill Duce is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®, one of Ontario’s largest real estate boards. With more than two decades of leadership experience in Canadian real estate, Duce has played a central role in guiding regional consolidation efforts and advancing MLS® system integration to improve efficiency, data consistency, and member service delivery. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen significant structural and operational initiatives, including the amalgamation of multiple real estate associations into a unified organization. These efforts have helped position Cornerstone at the forefront of industry modernization, with a strong emphasis on innovation, technology adoption, and REALTOR® support. Duce is also recognized for his ongoing advocacy for professional standards within the real estate industry, as well as his commitment to strengthening community engagement and collaboration across the sector.
18. Bronwyn Smith – Bronwyn Smith is a Canadian business leader operating at the intersection of real estate and technology, serving as Chief Executive Officer of MyAbode, which supports modern brokerage operations through technology-enabled systems focused on innovation, automation, compliance, and operational efficiency. Prior to her current roles, Smith held senior leadership positions at companies such as Shopify, Ada, and Influitive, and began her career as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company. She is widely recognized for her expertise in scaling technology-driven organizations and leading digital transformation initiatives. Through her combined experience in technology and real estate operations, Smith is helping reshape how Canadian real estate professionals adopt innovation to improve productivity, enhance compliance, and better serve clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.
19. Ross McCredie – Ross McCredie is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sutton Group, one of Canada’s leading real estate organizations. With extensive industry experience, McCredie has played a key role in shaping the company’s national growth and long-term strategic direction within the Canadian real estate market. Under his leadership, Sutton Group has continued to evolve as a collaborative brokerage network focused on empowering REALTORS® through innovation, modern marketing tools, and integrated business solutions. His strategic vision emphasizes adaptability in a rapidly changing real estate landscape, ensuring that the organization remains competitive and forward-looking. McCredie has also prioritized network expansion across Canada, supporting the growth of Sutton Group’s agents and offices while reinforcing a culture centered on entrepreneurship, professional development, and shared success within the brokerage system.
20. Michael Kalles – Michael Kalles s the President of the Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., where he has played a central role in guiding the brokerage’s long-term growth, market positioning, and sustained success across the Greater Toronto Area real estate market. Over more than three decades of leadership, Kalles has contributed to significant expansion in the firm’s sales performance and overall business scale, driven by a strategic focus on high-end service, agent support, and brand strength. His leadership has been closely associated with the brokerage’s evolution into one of Canada’s most recognized independent real estate firms. Beyond his business achievements, Kalles is also widely respected for his commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. Under his influence, the organization has supported numerous charitable initiatives and organizations, reflecting a long-standing emphasis on social responsibility alongside industry leadership and innovation.
21. Dan Scarrow – Dan Scarrow is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Macdonald Realty Ltd., one of British Columbia’s most established real estate brokerages, with more than 1,100 REALTORS® operating across 20+ locations. In his leadership role, Scarrow oversees the continued execution of the company’s long-standing growth strategy, focusing on brokerage expansion, operational consistency, and agent support systems across residential, commercial, and property management divisions. His leadership builds on Macdonald Realty’s decades-long evolution as a major presence in the BC real estate market, following a history shaped by strategic leadership, including the earlier stewardship of Executive Chair CEO Lynn Hsu. Under Scarrow’s direction, Macdonald Realty continues to emphasize strong regional service, professional development, and scalable brokerage infrastructure, maintaining its position as one of the most recognized real estate organizations in Western Canada
22. Jeff King – Jeff King is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, where he has served since November 2021. In this role, he leads the organization’s strategic direction with a focus on strengthening professional standards, advancing innovation, and supporting REALTORS® across the Greater Vancouver region. Since taking on the role, King has emphasized practical, non-partisan approaches to addressing Canada’s housing challenges, particularly in areas such as supply, affordability, and regulatory modernization. He actively engages with policymakers, regulators, and community leaders to help translate housing policy discussions into actionable solutions that support both industry professionals and the broader public. Under his leadership, GVR has expanded its role as a constructive voice in national housing debates, while reinforcing its commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and evidence-based decision-making within the real estate sector.
23. Nadia Habib – Nadia Habib is the Managing Director of eXp Realty Canada, where she oversees the growth and strategic development of the company’s Canadian operations. In this role, she focuses on enhancing the agent experience, strengthening regional alignment, and ensuring consistency with eXp Realty’s global priorities. Since joining the organization, Habib has played a key role in expanding the brokerage’s national footprint, supporting high-performing agents and teams, and driving growth initiatives across key markets, including Québec. Her leadership has contributed to reinforcing eXp Realty’s presence as a major player in the Canadian real estate landscape. Habib continues to influence the company’s expansion strategy through a focus on agent support, operational excellence, and sustainable national growth, helping to position eXp Realty for continued momentum across Canada.
24. Mustafa Abbasi – Mustafa Abbasi is the President of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, where he leads the brand’s national operations, strategic growth, technology innovation, marketing platforms, and advisor development initiatives across its Canadian network. With more than 20 years of experience building and scaling technology-driven real estate businesses, Abbasi is widely recognized for bridging the gap between digital platforms and high-end real estate services. Prior to his current role, he served as the founding President of Zolo, one of Canada’s leading digital real estate platforms, which was later acquired by Questrade Financial Group. Today, he oversees a national network of more than 30 offices and 800 real estate professionals under Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, focusing on strengthening brand positioning in the luxury market while advancing technology adoption and agent performance systems. Abbasi’s combined background in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and luxury real estate leadership positions him as an emerging figure shaping the evolution of high-end real estate in Canada.
25. Ryan Serravalle – Ryan Serravalle is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of REVEL Realty Inc., one of Canada’s fastest-growing independent real estate brokerages, headquartered in the Niagara Region. As a real estate entrepreneur, he oversees a rapidly expanding network of nearly 40 branch locations and more than 500 REALTORS® across Ontario, with continued plans for national growth. Under Serravalle’s leadership, REVEL Realty has built a strong reputation for high-performance culture, agent development, and scalable brokerage systems designed to support growth while maintaining consistent service standards across all locations. His leadership approach emphasizes operational excellence and equipping each branch with the tools needed to succeed in competitive markets. Beyond business expansion, Serravalle is also active in philanthropy. He co-initiated REVEL’s annual Charity Ball, which has raised more than $500,000 in support of local charities and schools, reflecting a commitment to community impact alongside business success.
On behalf of BUZZ BUZZ Media, we would like to congratulate each of these executive leaders as The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate 2025/2026.
Our next leaders representing Brokerage Leadership & Strategic Partnerships will be announced on June 15th and our final list of Emerging Leaders will follow on June 19th.
We will unveil the complete BUZZ 100 Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate in the June 30, 2026 issue of BUZZ Digital Magazine.
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