T
he real‑estate arena, home to millions of agents and more than 100,000 brokerages, sees fresh leaders emerge daily. This update spotlights two executives whose recent moves are reshaping the residential market.

    **Scott Durkin returns to Corcoran as associate broker**

    After a leadership shake‑up at Douglas Elliman, former CEO Scott Durkin has joined Corcoran’s East Side office in New York City. The seasoned broker, who spent nearly 27 years with Corcoran before moving to Elliman in 2015, will now serve as a luxury residential associate broker. Durkin’s career at Corcoran began as an agent, progressed through management, and culminated in roles as COO, president, and ultimately CEO of Elliman’s brokerage. He was dismissed in October 2024, just days after Elliman’s CEO Howard Lorber announced his retirement. In a statement, Durkin expressed enthusiasm about returning to the firm that launched his career, emphasizing a renewed focus on client relationships and personalized service.

    **Keller Williams promotes Kendra Newman to general counsel**

    Keller Williams (KW) has elevated long‑time VP and deputy general counsel Kendra Newman to the top legal position. Newman, who brings over two decades of experience—including stints at Brookfield Properties, General Growth Properties, and Jenner & Block—has been with KW since mid‑2021. As general counsel, she will advise the executive team, oversee the legal and franchise operations, and support the company’s growth and innovation initiatives. KW President and CEO Chris Czarnecki praised Newman as a “proven leader” capable of strengthening the firm’s legal framework for the future. Newman highlighted her excitement to lead the legal department with integrity and to blend legal insight with business impact, positioning herself as a strategic partner to KW’s leadership.

    These appointments underscore the dynamic nature of the industry, where seasoned professionals transition between roles to drive new opportunities and reinforce foundational values.