BUZZ is proud to unveil, The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate 2024/2025, BUZZ

June 23, 2025

This past May 31, 2025, we announced The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate 2024/2025, in BUZZ Digital Magazine.

John DiMichele, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is honoured as our Most Influential Leader, 2024/2025, by BUZZ BUZZ MEDIA INC.

Today, 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.

This prestigious annual distinction, The Most Influential Voices in Canadian Real Estate, presented by BUZZ BUZZ MEDIA INC., is the result of a rigorous, multi-dimensional evaluation process. Candidates are assessed across six key criteria that underscore their influence, leadership acumen, and lasting contributions to both their organizations and the broader real estate community:

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 of 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.

  1. John DiMichele – John DiMichele is the Most Influential Leader in Canadian Real Estate. As the Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and PropTx, John DiMichele brings together a wealth of professional experience, the practitioner’s perspective, and an intimate understanding of both technology and the real estate landscape. As the visionary behind the Future Facing MLS initiative and the creation of PropTx Innovations Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TRREB – John’s key priorities are the protection of privacy and MLS® data intellectual property rights. Another major initiative for John DiMichele, is the research and optimization of the economic competitiveness and livability of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region.

2. Janice Myers – Before becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Real Estate Association in January 2024, Janice was the CEO of the Ottawa Real Estate Board and had served as the Executive Director of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board. Janice Myers is a leader in Canadian real estate with more than two decades of experience in governance, program development, fundraising and membership recruitment. As the CEO, Janice is committed to furthering CREA’s federal advocacy efforts, providing REALTORS® with technology and tools they need to succeed, and continuing the success of REALTOR.ca.

3. Christopher Alexander – As the largest Independent Franchise in Canada, Christopher Alexander, was appointed President of RE/MAX Canada in November 2021 until March 3, 2025 and is currently serving in a consultant role until June 30, 2025. In his position, Christopher played a significant role in expanding the brand’s presence across the country and shaping its strategic direction with a progressiver leadership team. We are grateful to Christopher’s service here in Canada and wish him the continued success as he serves as a Consultant for RE/MAX Europe, while remaining a RE/MAX Brokerage Owner in Ontario.

4. Phil Soper – Phil Soper, President, Royal LePage Canada is one of the top figures in the Canadian real estate industry. Under his leadership, Royal LePage has solidified its position as one of the country’s leading Canadian real estate brands.His strategic & innovative vision has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth, expanding its network of offices and agents nationwide. He is a leader who is deeply committed to the people at Royal LePage Canada. Soper is widely regarded for his insights into market trends, housing policy, and economic factors affecting the Canadian real estate landscape.

5. Joyce Paron – Joyce Paron is the CEO of EXIT Realty’s Canadian Division. She has played a integral role in shaping EXIT’s growth and success nationally. Under her leadership, many EXIT real estate brokerages are production leaders in their community, with Canadian agents averaging over 18 closed transaction ends last year – a client – first approach. Paron is the recipient of many prestigious EXIT awards, including the Chairman’s Award, Award of Expertise, Leader’s Leader Award, Trusted Advisor Award, and the Icon Award. Her focus is on innovation, agent support, and strategic development, which has established Exit Realty as a respected and influential brand in Canada.

6. Sonia Richards – Sonia Richards is currently serving as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), one of the largest provincial real estate associations in Canada. With a strong background in leadership and strategic development, Richards has played a pivotal role in advancing OREA’s mission to support and represent Ontario’s real estate professionals. Under her leadership, OREA continues to remain focused on providing innovative resources, education, and advocacy to ensure that REALTORS® across Ontario are equipped to thrive in a dynamic real estate market.

7. Marin Charlwood – Martin Charlwood, Vice Chairman & CEO of CENTURY 21 Canada, is a key figure in the Canadian real estate industry. Since taking the helm, Charlwood has been instrumental in leading the company’s extraordinary brand vision, direction and growth, ensuring that Century 21 remains a dominant player in the competitive real estate market. Charlwood’s leadership is centered around fostering innovation, enhancing agent support, and expanding the company’s presence across the country with 11,500+ REALTORS®. His mission is to define and deliver the gold standard in Canadian Real Estate & Worldwide.

8. Andrew Cimerman – As the Founder and CEO of Homelife Realty Services Inc., Andrew Cimerman is proud of Homelife, the most coveted FIVE STAR brand in the Canadian Real Estate industry. As one of the largest solely Canadian-owned real estate franchisor, Homelife is expanding globally with its innovative technologies and modern marketing strategies. Founded in 1985, the HomeLife® Five Star brand offers higher standards customer service through Sales Representatives and Brokers, advanced education and training through HomeLife University, and cooperative wealth building and sharing through Homelife’s Income For Life® program.

9. Samantha Villiard – Samantha Villiard is the Vice President of Regional Development at RE/MAX Canada, bringing over 15 years of experience to her role, and we can’t wait to see what’s next! Samantha leads with a focus on operational excellence, process optimization, and fostering cross-team collaboration with purpose and potential. Passionate about transforming challenges into growth opportunities, Samantha is dedicated to empowering brokerages and aligning them with the company’s broader vision. Her leadership has contributed to RE/MAX Canada’s recognition as the #1 most trusted real estate agency in 2025.

10. Kevin Crigger – Kevin Crigger is the Associate CEO of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), the largest real estate board in North America with a membership of more than 75,000. In addition, Kevin is also the President of PropTx Innovations Inc. (PropTx), a wholly owned subsidiary of TRREB, the 3rd largest MLS® service in North America with more than 95,000 users. As a member of the executive leadership team, Kevin will drive innovation and the strategic direction for these organizations, shaping their future in Canadian Real Estate. With his decades experience in the industry, Kevin is set to impact real estate experiences across Canada.

11. John Lusink – John Lusink is the President at Right at Home Realty, leaders in Canadian Real Estate. With almost 4 decades of experience in the real estate industry, Lusink believes in leading with purpose and strives continually to exemplify this precept. He works diligently to create value for Right at Home members and their clients. With an esteemed background in the industry, which includes organized real estate both as a past Director on The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, and Past Commercial Director on the OREA Board of Directors, Lusink leads RAHR, one of the largest real estate brands in Canada with pride, experience and expertise.

12. Nadia Habib – Nadia Habib is the Managing Director of eXp Realty Canada. She oversee the growth of eXp’s Canadian business, focusing on enhanced agent experience, and strong regional alignment with the company’s global priorities. Since joining eXp Realty, Habib has played a key role in strengthening the brokerage’s national presence, supporting top producers, and leading expansion efforts in key provinces including Québec. Habib has had great influence to the growth experienced across Canada and we know there is more to come!

13. Ross McCredie – Ross McCredie is the Chairman and CEO of Sutton Group, one of Canada’s leading real estate organizations. With extensive experience in the real estate industry, McCredie has played a significant role in shaping Sutton Group’s growth and success across the Canadian market. His strategic vision for Sutton Group includes fostering a collaborative environment where agents can thrive, providing access to innovation, cutting-edge marketing and business solutions, and ensuring that the company remains adaptable in the ever-changing real estate landscape. McCredie is also focused on driving growth through the expansion of Sutton Group’s network of agents and offices.

14. Karim Kennedy – Karim Kennedy is the CEO of Coldwell Banker Canada, bringing decades of experience in banking, mergers and acquisitions, and growth capital to the helm of his leadership role. Since 2021, he has led the company’s bold national expansion, supported by an exemplary leadership team. Throughout his career, Karim has built a strong track record in operations, finance, structuring, and deal execution, all with a focus on maximizing financial performance. His vision for Coldwell Banker Canada reflects a commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence for his brokerages and agents.

15. Lindsey Smith – Lindsey Smith is the CEO and Co-Owner of CIR Realty, the #1 producing independent real estate brokerage in Calgary, AB. Locally owned and operated, with just under 40 years of experience in their marketplace. CIR REALTY is both the highest producing brokerage, and largest brokerage, in all of Alberta. With 18 offices, included their newest locations in Edmonton and Kelowna, British Columbia Alberta offering their agents more support and the best exposure opportunities to the their client’s homes than any other brokerage. CIR offers worldwide exposure and relocation services. ‘ We are Local. We are Global. ’

16. Vicky Huang – Vicky Huang is the Founder and CEO of Bay Street Group Inc., a leading independent real estate brokerage serving the Greater Toronto Area. With over two decades of industry experience and a portfolio of groundbreaking companies, Vicky Huang is a dynamic force in Canada’s real estate and finance sectors, pioneering new solutions, inspiring her teams, and setting new standards of professionalism and excellence. She is also one of the most respected figures in the GTA Pre-construction industry. BSG, headquartered in Markham, ON, is known for its top-tier agent support, client service, and commitment to redefining real estate in Canada.

17. Von Palmer – Von Palmer is the Chief Operating Officer for the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. He assists the CEO and Associate CEO with implementing strategic objectives and overseeing TRREB’s government relations and advocacy program, communications, public affairs, and events. His role as TRREB’s chief lobbyist at all three levels of government extends to collaborating with other industry and business groups at the federal, provincial, and GTA municipal levels. Von is responsible for many wins in the real estate industry to improve housing affordability and supply for consumers, fair business regulations for REALTORS® and strong stakeholder engagement. Von’s work has resulted in recognition with numerous outstanding political action awards by the CREA.

18. Winson Chan – Winson Chan currently leads Tridel’s award-winning sales team as Vice President, Sales Development. He’s a strong believer in supporting the professional growth and development of future leaders in the Canadian real estate industry. Winson has been heavily involved in advancing the standards and practices of the real estate industry in a variety of leadership positions including as CREA’s Regional Director, Ontario, the Real Estate Institute of Canada’s National President, Asian Real Estate Association of America Director and International Real Estate Federation Director amongst others.

19. Ryan Serravalle – Ryan Serravalle is the Founder & CEO of REVEL Realty Inc., one of Canada’s fastest growing Independent Brokerages, with HQs located in the Niagara Region. A real estate-driven entrepreneur, Ryan oversees almost 40 separate branch locations with over 500+ REALTOR®s across Ontario with expansion plans across Canada. Serravalle ensures each is equipped with excellence. Serravalle’s philanthropic work also includes co-initiating REVEL’s annual Charity Ball, which has raised over $500,000 for local charities and schools. With a remarkable record, Ryan Serravalle has also achieved the distinction of having sold over a billion dollars in real estate.

20. Benjamin Tal – Benjamin Tal is the Deputy Chief Economist of CIBC. He is responsible for analyzing macro-economic developments and their implications for fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and commodities markets. Tal also acts in an advisory capacity to bank officers on issues related to wealth management, household credit and risk, and corporate credit and risk. Benjamin Tal is well-known for his ground-breaking published research on topics such as labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and business economic conditions. Tal is one of the most respected figures in the Canadian Real Estate Industry.

21. Brad Mitchell – Brad Mitchell, is the Chief Executive Officer at the Alberta Real Estate Association ( AREA ) . Since 2018, Brad has overseen the implementation of AREA’s Strategic Plan, which has included further operational efficiencies and new programs, such as the growth of AREA Wireless and the launch of Pillar 9 in partnership with the local real estate boards. Brad has lead AREA in advocacy, building stronger relations with government, and establishing Alberta Government Liaison Days amongst a few. Brad Mitchell is at the helm of shaping the future of the real estate industry in Alberta.

22. Ronnie Fingold – Ronni Fingold is the Founding Partner of Forest Hill Real Estate Inc., a leading luxury brokerage established in 1985. As the Purveyor of boutique brokerages, Ronni recognized a gap in the industry for a brokerage that delivered both high-touch client services and deep local market expertise and established Forest Hill Real Estate Inc. Under her leadership, Forest Hill Real Estate Inc. has grown into a network of nearly 40 offices across Ontario, staffed by close to 1,000 agents. The firm specializes in the sale of luxury homes, condominiums, commercial properties, and investment real estate, while remaining true to its boutique & luxury roots.

23. Trevor Koot – Trevor Koot is the Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA). With nearly two decades of experience in organized real estate, Trevor has a comprehensive understanding of the profession’s needs and the role innovation plays to enhance it into the future. Trevor’s commitment to governance is evident through his tenure while serving in many leadership roles in the Real Estate Industry in British Columbia. With an innovative and entrepreneurial leadership style, Trevor’s focus is change management, while maintaining strict governance and policy structure all why elevating professional standards.

24. Bill Duce – Bill Duce is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®, Ontario’s second-largest real estate board. With over two decades of leadership in Canadian real estate, Duce has spearheaded significant regional initiatives, including the amalgamation of multiple associations and the integration of MLS® systems, positioning Cornerstone at the forefront of industry innovation and member support. Bill is a strong advocate for industry standards, and fostering community engagement within the real estate sector.

25. Alan Tennant – Alan Tennant is the President and CEO of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®), leading since 2011. Under his leadership, CREB® has embraced innovation, enhanced member services, and launched initiatives like REB Resources to support non-profits. Tennant’s commitment to the real estate profession and community has been recognized through various awards. In 2020, he received the Association Executive Network’s Award of Excellence for his dedication as a leader, mentor, and community volunteer. A former president of CREA, Tennant is recognized for his commitment to professional excellence, technology, and community service.

26. Debra Harris – Debra Harris is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth at Right At Home Realty, one of the largest leading Brands in Canadian Real Estate. Harris brings several decades of experience in the real estate industry and a deep understanding of brokerage dynamics to the leadership team. Her career spans a multitude of roles showcasing her expertise in marketing, public relations, and business development consulting. Debra has been instrumental in elevating top-producing real estate teams across both Canada and the United States. A Certified Behavioural Analyst, Debra has provided consulting and coaching to professionals Canada-wide.

27. Tim Hudak – With 3 decades in the public spotlight as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association, media pundit and Partner at Counsel Public Affairs, Tim helps organizations and individuals advance their leadership and public affairs goals. Tim provides strategic and insightful government relations solutions to help clients from coast-to-coast get their projects across the finish line. During his tenure as CEO of OREA, Tim led a transformative era for Canada’s largest provincial association. Under his leadership, OREA became one of Ontario’s most influential advocacy organizations.

28. Kyle Bouchard – Kyle Bouchard is the Founder, CEO, and Broker of Record of International Realty Firm. With a passion for global real estate and a commitment to client success, Kyle leads with innovation, integrity, and deep market expertise. Under his leadership, the firm is one of the top independent brokerages by agent count in Ontario. International Realty Firm has also expanded across borders, delivering exceptional brokerage services and building a strong reputation for excellence in both residential and commercial real estate. The future looks bright as International Realty Firm makes its waves in international markets worldwide.

29. Ann-Marie Lurie – Ann – Marie Lurie is the Chief Economist of the Calgary Real Estate Board. She has had the opportunity to work in several different aspects of real estate including commercial brokerage, pension investment, residential real estate analysis and multi-family underwriting. Her diverse background in real estate has enabled her to provide insight into the macroeconomic climate and factors impacting the real estate market. In her current role, Lurie is responsible for scoping, developing and leading the board’s economic analysis and market intelligence products. By providing strategic leadership on economic analysis, Ann – Marie has helped establish the organization as a credible and trusted source of economic commentary.

30. Brenda Buchanan – Brenda Buchanan was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer effective February 2025, expanding upon her prior responsibilities and leveraging her leadership and broad functional experience. She joined the Real Estate Council of Ontario as Chief Operations Officer in 2019, and as a member of RECO’s senior management group, has overseen core functions including, stakeholder relations, finance and accounting, information technology, human resources, facilities, client services, and discipline and appeals hearings as well as leading strategic and business planning processes. RECO is an Ontario-based industry regulator.

We want to congratulate each of our industry’s leading voices in being acknowledged as BUZZ Most Influential Leaders in Canadian Real Estate and with many reaching out to us in appreciation, for this we are extremely grateful.

We will unveil the Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in the June issue of BUZZ Digital Magazine. Stay tuned!

Click link to read more in the MAY issue of BUZZ Digital Magazine – BUZZ DIGITAL MAGAZINE

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