Ousted Elliman CEO returns to Corcoran; KW names general counsel 

Editor's note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who've recently taken on, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape.

Corcoran welcomes former Douglas Elliman CEO

Scott Durkin, the former president and CEO of Douglas Elliman's brokerage, has stepped into a new role at Corcoran.

Durkin, who lost his job at Elliman one year ago, will serve as an associate broker based out of Corcoran's East Side office in New York City. The move marks a homecoming for the real estate veteran, who spent nearly 27 years with the brand before moving to Douglas Elliman in 2015.

In his first era at Corcoran, Durkin worked as an agent before climbing the management ladder and eventually serving as COO. He then moved to Douglas Elliman to help lead its acquisitions and growth team before becoming the firm's COO and, later, its president. He was tapped to serve as Douglas Elliman's brokerage CEO in 2021, a role he held until he was terminated in October 2024 — just days after Douglas Elliman CEO Howard Lorber abruptly announced his retirement. 

In a news release, Durkin said he "couldn't be happier" to return to the brokerage where his real estate career began.

"Coming back as a luxury residential associate broker at Corcoran truly feels like returning to my roots," he said. "After years in executive leadership, I've always felt a real pull to return to what first inspired me about real estate: the relationships and the white glove service that happens one client at a time."

KW names 'proven leader' to serve as general counsel

Keller Williams' new general counsel is stepping into the role following an internal promotion.

Kendra Newman has over two decades of legal experience, with past roles at Brookfield Properties, General Growth Properties and Jenner & Block. Newman joined KW in mid-2021 as VP and deputy general counsel, a role she held for four years.

KW announced her promotion in early October. As general counsel, Newman will advise the executive leadership team and spearhead the brand's legal and franchise arms while supporting growth and innovation efforts, according to a news release.

Newman is "a proven leader with the experience and judgment to keep our frameworks strong and built for the future," KW President and CEO Chris Czarnecki said. "She will ensure we continue providing KW-affiliated agents and franchise partners the solid foundation they need to thrive and grow."

Newman said she is looking forward to "leading our legal department with integrity and continuing to grow in a role that blends legal insight with business impact."

"It's a privilege to serve as a strategic partner to our executive leadership team and to drive thoughtful, business-minded legal strategy across the organization," she added.