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llustration by Lanette Behiry for Real Estate News
In a market of millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerages, new leaders continually reshape residential real estate. This update spotlights recent executive shifts that influence the industry.
Ethan Glass, formerly the National Association of Realtors’ lead antitrust attorney in the Sitzer/Burnett case, has joined Compass as chief legal officer. Glass, who earlier this year represented Compass in its lawsuit against Northwest MLS, brings DOJ and Cooley LLP experience, where he headed the Global Antitrust and Competition Practice. In a press release, he expressed enthusiasm for applying his expertise to a firm that champions both agents and homeowners.
Compass CEO Robert Reffkin emphasized the company’s stance that agents should not face fines from MLSs or bans from Zillow for off‑platform marketing, nor be told how to serve clients. The brokerage also sued Zillow in June. Reffkin said Glass’s appointment underscores Compass’s “unwavering commitment to seller choice” and its challenge to restrictive marketing practices.
Compass General Counsel Brad Serwin will depart on Dec. 31 after five years, according to a Sept. 9 SEC filing. He will launch his own private practice and continue consulting Compass until mid‑March 2026.
The National Association of Realtors has hired MLS strategist David Charron as a consultant. Charron, director of Collabra Technology and advisor at Pacaso, previously advised Bright MLS for over eight years and served as president and CEO of Metropolitan Regional Information Systems before its merger with Bright.
An NAR spokesperson noted that MLSs are vital for fair, competitive, and transparent markets benefiting consumers, agents, and the economy. “We’re excited to bring David on board to strengthen our partnership with MLSs and improve the industry,” the spokesperson said.
