Douglas Elliman Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Douglas Elliman has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, and development.

Driven by innovation, Douglas Elliman sources, uses, and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology (PropTech) solutions and companies, providing comprehensive real estate services that shape market dynamics.

Leadership Roles at Douglas Elliman

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jay Parker
  • Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer - Susan de França
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division) - Richard Ferrari
  • Chief Financial Officer, Brokerage - Heather Capriola
  • Chief Operating Officer, Adjacent Services - Bryan Cohen
  • Chief Operating Officer. the Jessica Peters Team - Hugh Hobbs
  • Chief Operating Officer, The Eklund. Gomes Team - Suzanne Guardino
  • Chief of Staff - Areeje Oriol
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Natalie Passerini
  • Licensed Realtor and Chief of Staff - Kaitlin Kiernan
  • Jay Parker - Chief Executive Officer

    Jay Parker, the Chief Executive Officer at Douglas Elliman, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework. Overseeing all business units, Parker ensures alignment with the company's mission to invest in and leverage disruptive property technology (PropTech) solutions. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's expansion into new markets and enhancing its service offerings, which include development marketing, property management, and settlement services. By fostering innovation and strategic partnerships, Jay Parker drives the company's growth and market position. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to cultivating a high-performance culture and ensuring the delivery of exceptional client experiences across all service lines. Parker's vision shapes the company's approach to integrating technology with traditional real estate services, solidifying Douglas Elliman's competitive edge.
    Jay Parker

    Susan de França - Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer

    Susan de França, the Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer at Douglas Elliman, spearheads the company's specialized development marketing division. De França directs all aspects of new development sales and marketing strategies, from project conception through to final closing. This critical role involves collaborating closely with developers to position properties effectively in the market, leveraging insights into PropTech solutions that enhance project appeal and sales velocity. By driving successful project launches and maximizing sales outcomes, Susan de França significantly contributes to the company's revenue streams and reputation in luxury real estate. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include building and managing high-performing sales teams and ensuring the seamless delivery of integrated marketing services for new construction projects.
    Susan de França

    Richard Ferrari - President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division)

    Richard Ferrari, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division) at Douglas Elliman, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the retail brokerage segment across the northeastern United States. Ferrari drives market expansion, agent recruitment, and sales performance within this key geographic region, ensuring alignment with the company's overall growth objectives and PropTech integration initiatives. This executive role involves fostering a culture of excellence and innovation among brokerage teams, enhancing client services and agent support. By achieving ambitious sales targets and expanding market presence, Richard Ferrari significantly contributes to Douglas Elliman's revenue and market leadership. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include overseeing regional operations, developing strategic partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of superior real estate services.

    Heather Capriola - Chief Financial Officer, Brokerage

    Heather Capriola, the Chief Financial Officer, Brokerage at Douglas Elliman, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the brokerage operations. Capriola oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving profitability across the company's real estate services. This role is integral to evaluating investment opportunities in PropTech and managing the financial implications of market fluctuations. By maintaining robust financial controls and optimizing resource allocation, Heather Capriola supports sustainable growth and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing cash flow, assessing financial risks, and advising the executive team on strategic financial decisions. Capriola's financial acumen is essential for guiding Douglas Elliman's investment in disruptive property technologies and ensuring long-term financial stability.

    Bryan Cohen - Chief Operating Officer, Adjacent Services

    Bryan Cohen, the Chief Operating Officer, Adjacent Services at Douglas Elliman, directs the operational execution of ancillary real estate services. Cohen oversees property management, settlement, and escrow services, ensuring seamless integration with the core brokerage and development marketing functions. This leadership role focuses on optimizing the efficiency and client experience of these critical support services, aligning them with the company's broader PropTech strategy. By enhancing operational workflows and service delivery, Bryan Cohen contributes to the comprehensive value proposition offered to clients. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing service teams, implementing operational improvements, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Cohen's operational oversight strengthens Douglas Elliman's ability to provide end-to-end real estate solutions.

    Hugh Hobbs - Chief Operating Officer. the Jessica Peters Team

    Hugh Hobbs, the Chief Operating Officer. the Jessica Peters Team at Douglas Elliman, manages the operational efficiency and strategic execution for this specialized real estate team. Hobbs oversees daily operations, agent support, and business development initiatives, ensuring seamless service delivery and client satisfaction. This role is crucial for integrating innovative PropTech solutions into the team's workflow, enhancing productivity and market responsiveness. By optimizing team processes and resource management, Hugh Hobbs directly contributes to the team's success and market impact. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining administrative functions, implementing operational best practices, and supporting the team's growth objectives. Hobbs's operational leadership ensures the Jessica Peters Team maintains a competitive edge in the real estate market.

    Suzanne Guardino - Chief Operating Officer, The Eklund. Gomes Team

    Suzanne Guardino, the Chief Operating Officer, The Eklund. Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman, directs the operational framework and strategic initiatives for this prominent real estate team. Guardino oversees all aspects of team operations, including agent support, marketing coordination, and client service management, ensuring alignment with Douglas Elliman's broader PropTech investment strategy. This leadership position focuses on enhancing team productivity and market penetration through efficient processes and innovative solutions. By optimizing operational workflows and driving strategic projects, Suzanne Guardino significantly contributes to the team's sustained success and market influence. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing budgets, implementing operational improvements, and fostering a high-performance team environment. Guardino's operational expertise ensures The Eklund. Gomes Team delivers exceptional real estate services.

    Areeje Oriol - Chief of Staff

    Areeje Oriol, the Chief of Staff at Douglas Elliman, manages critical operational initiatives and supports executive decision-making. Oriol facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring seamless execution of strategic projects that align with the company's PropTech investment focus. This role involves streamlining internal processes and enhancing communication channels across various business segments, including development marketing and property management. By optimizing resource allocation and project timelines, Areeje Oriol contributes directly to the efficiency of the executive team's agenda. The Chief of Staff's duties encompass preparing executive briefings, coordinating board communications, and driving key organizational changes. Oriol's strategic support enables the leadership team to focus on innovation and market expansion, reinforcing Douglas Elliman's commitment to early-stage property technology.

    Natalie Passerini - Chief Marketing Officer

    Natalie Passerini, the Chief Marketing Officer at Douglas Elliman, architects the brand's global marketing strategy and drives market penetration. Passerini oversees all promotional activities, digital campaigns, and brand development initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging across diverse real estate services, including development marketing and property management. This leadership position involves identifying emerging market trends and translating them into actionable marketing plans that highlight the company's PropTech investments. By enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement, Natalie Passerini directly supports revenue generation and market share expansion. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include managing marketing budgets, analyzing campaign performance, and fostering innovation in marketing technologies. Passerini's expertise ensures Douglas Elliman maintains a strong competitive presence in the real estate sector.
    Natalie Passerini

    Kaitlin Kiernan - Licensed Realtor and Chief of Staff

    Kaitlin Kiernan, the Licensed Realtor and Chief of Staff at Douglas Elliman, bridges operational strategy with frontline real estate expertise. Kiernan supports the executive team by managing key initiatives and ensuring the effective implementation of company policies across brokerage operations. This dual role involves leveraging real estate market insights to inform strategic decisions and streamline internal processes, particularly concerning PropTech integration and service delivery. By facilitating communication between agents and leadership, Kaitlin Kiernan enhances operational agility and client service. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include coordinating special projects, preparing executive communications, and driving efficiency in day-to-day operations. Kiernan's unique position ensures that strategic directives are grounded in practical market realities, supporting Douglas Elliman's innovative approach to real estate services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Douglas Elliman Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Douglas Elliman?
    Douglas Elliman is led by Jay Parker (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Susan de França (Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer) and Richard Ferrari (President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division)).
    Who is part of Douglas Elliman’s executive team?
    The executive team of Douglas Elliman includes leaders such as Jay Parker (Chief Executive Officer), Susan de França (Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Ferrari (President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Douglas Elliman have?
    Douglas Elliman has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Douglas Elliman’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Douglas Elliman includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Elliman Development Marketing President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Retail Brokerage (Northeastern Division), Chief Financial Officer, Brokerage, Chief Operating Officer, Adjacent Services.