New CEO takes the reins at Stellar MLS 

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.

Stellar MLS CEO transition complete

The leadership change at Stellar MLS is now official.

After more than 17 years as CEO of the third-largest MLS in the U.S., Merri Jo Cowen is stepping aside. Taking her place is Shayne Fairley, who has been with Stellar since 2005 and has served as its chief operations officer since 2017.

The news isn't unexpected: In July 2025, Cowen announced her plan to step down as CEO and named Fairley as her successor. Cowen will retain a strategic advisory position at the MLS as she embraces a different leadership role at Stellar's global MLS advisory subsidiary, Universal Consulting Opportunities.

Fairley has guided Stellar's mission in his two-plus decades with the organization and will continue to embrace "a leadership style rooted in trust, innovation, and service" as CEO, Cowen said in a news release.

"Over the last few months, as we have been preparing for this transition, he has proven to be the best person for the job," Cowen said. "I have every confidence that he will build on our strong foundation and continue to lead the organization forward."

Fairley praised the "vision and heart" that Cowen demonstrated in her time as CEO, adding that her "balance of strategy and genuine care is something I intend to carry forward."

"My focus will be on delivering exceptional value to our brokers while continuing to position Stellar MLS to lead as the industry evolves," Fairley said.

New leader joins Sotheby's Canada

Sotheby's International Realty Canada has tapped Mustafa Abbasi to serve as its new president. Abbasi will succeed Effi Barak, who has been interim president since last spring.

Abbasi brings a background in real estate and financial services. He co-founded real estate tech platform Zolo Canada and later oversaw its acquisition by Questrade Financial Group. In his new role at Sotheby's Canada, Abbasi will focus on strategic growth opportunities by leaning into the brand's marketing and tech platforms, according to a news release.

Abbasi's "distinctive blend of entrepreneurial and corporate real estate leadership, deep digital expertise, and Canadian market insight" will help Sotheby's Canada "meet the evolving expectations of clients and advisors" and strengthen its leadership in Canada's luxury real estate market, Peerage Realty Partners CEO Tara Brown said.

According to Abbasi, Sotheby Canada's commitment to independent real estate professionals is what drew him to the brand.

"I've seen what's possible when talented entrepreneurs are supported by the right platform, tools, and leadership," he said. "I'm excited to bring that perspective here to foster a culture of excellence and innovation, and to continue raising the bar for what our advisors and their clients can expect from us." 

IVRE appoints chief growth officer

Pennsylvania-based Iron Valley Real Estate has named George Barlow as its first chief growth officer.

The franchise brand was established 10 years ago and has grown organically to represent more than 2,250 agents across 55+ offices. The addition of Barlow — who brings 25 years of experience in franchising, M&A and sales growth — will allow the firm to develop "a more structured expansion strategy," IVRE said in a news release.

Barlow was most recently a sales and growth leader at Valenta Franchise and BNI Global, LLC, and he previously served as VP of franchise development and M&A at Weichert Real Estate.

Barlow said he joined IVRE "because its partners see the future of real estate with rare clarity," adding: "While brokerages are being squeezed on commissions and agents are seeking smarter systems and greater financial upside, IVRE proves these forces don't have to collide — there is a better way forward."

The move follows IVRE's hiring of Tammie Kennedy as franchise business consultant in February.

Cotality names independent board member

Wayne Peacock has joined Cotality's board as an independent member, the property information and analytics provider announced. His appointment was made official on Feb. 18.

The former CEO of USAA brings 36 years of leadership in financial services. He has worked in property and casualty insurance, banking, risk and asset management, technology, sales, marketing and more, according to a news release.

Peacock's wide-ranging background makes him "a strong addition to our board," Cotality President and CEO Patrick Dodd said. "As data, analytics, and AI continue to reshape housing, insurance, and capital markets, his expertise and support will accelerate Cotality's continued growth and long-term strategic priorities," Dodd added.

Peacock also acknowledged the growing role that technology and data have on consumers' financial decisions, adding that he believes Cotality "has the opportunity and responsibility to deliver clarity, resilience, and long-term value."

"I look forward to contributing to the board as Cotality continues to scale and advances through this exciting next phase of its growth," Peacock said.