Engel & Völkers, a globally operating company in the luxury and premium real estate brokerage segment, has appointed Till-Fabian Zalewski and Stefan Eck as Group Co-CEOs. Their shared task will be to lead the ongoing global expansion.
The new appointments follow Jawed Barna, who led the company through significant transformation since 2023, achieving record results. Mr Barna has decided to pursue new professional challenges but will ensure a smooth handover until the end of the year.
Leadership Competence and Continuous Development
Till-Fabian Zalewski, previously CEO DACH, will provisionally continue his responsibility for the DACH region. He brings over thirteen years of experience within the company and has developed the DACH market into a significant growth engine. His comprehensive operational knowledge of the real estate market and the company culture are considered instrumental for his new role.
Stefan Eck, Group CFO since 2025, will also provisionally retain his previous responsibility. Mr Eck brings extensive leadership experience from managing complex transformations in private equity-backed companies, where financial discipline and structural changes play a central role. He will continue this course as Group Co-CEO and help shape the strategic development for future growth.
Dr Jörg Rockenhäuser, Chairman of the Advisory Board, expressed a positive view on the appointments. He emphasised that Till-Fabian Zalewski and Stefan Eck combine operational know-how, financial expertise, industry knowledge, and strategic leadership competence. The Advisory Board is convinced that this leadership team will accelerate the growth of Engel & Völkers. Furthermore, he thanked Jawed Barna for his commitment and for successfully sharpening the company's profile as a global market leader, building a scalable technology platform, and strengthening brand reputation, which forms the foundation for the next chapter of growth.
Jawed Barna stated that his task had been fulfilled. Guiding the company's transformation was a formative chapter in his career. He expressed pride in the collective achievement of shaping a stronger, technology and AI-powered company. After successfully concluding the transformation and establishing the next generation of leadership, the time had come to hand over responsibility.
Recent Successes and Future Direction
In the 2025 financial year, Engel & Völkers achieved global commission revenues of over EUR 1.3 billion for the first time and recorded double-digit EBITDA growth. Furthermore, nearly 100 new locations were opened within 18 months, and a proprietary technology platform was rolled out, which is now available to over 10,000 real estate advisors and franchisees worldwide.
The new Group Co-CEOs commented on the future direction. Till-Fabian Zalewski highlighted the value of the company culture, brand, and international network. Stefan Eck stressed the intention to further scale the company, expand technological capabilities, and create sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders – including advisors, franchise partners, and employees.
