Sotheby’s International Realty Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, and marketing innovation.

Committed to excellence in the luxury property market, Sotheby’s International Realty delivers unparalleled real estate services through a vast global network of high-end residential listings and professional brokerage expertise.

Leadership Roles at Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Curtain
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - George Azar
  • Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner - Robert Palotto
  • Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR - Thomas Wright
  • Chief Financial Officer - Margaret Kelaart
  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Clifford Siegel
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeff F.
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Western & Mountain Regions - Francis Symons
  • Chief Information Officer - Pavel Kudryashov
  • Chief Marketing Officer, To Gregg Lynn, Sotheby's International Realty Brokerage (SAN Francisco) - Sara Thandi
  • Robert Curtain - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Curtain, the Chief Executive Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, directs the overarching strategic vision for luxury property transactions. Overseeing the expansion of high-end residential portfolios, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that market positioning remains competitive across diverse international territories. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with regional directors to maintain brand standards for villas and townhomes. By optimizing brokerage performance, Robert Curtain directly impacts the firm's ability to capture premium market share. Curtain secures long-term growth by fostering relationships with elite clientele and high-net-worth investors. Through rigorous analysis of global real estate trends, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence, ensuring that every luxury listing receives maximum exposure. Ultimately, Curtain maintains the reputation of the brand as a premier authority in the global luxury real estate sector, consistently delivering superior results for property owners and buyers alike.

    George Azar - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    George Azar, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, governs the strategic direction and corporate governance of the organization. Managing the intersection of board-level oversight and daily brokerage operations, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer architects long-term growth initiatives for the luxury residential market. This role requires balancing fiduciary responsibilities with the pursuit of innovative real estate solutions for global clients. George Azar facilitates high-level partnerships that expand the reach of the brand into emerging luxury markets. By aligning corporate objectives with the needs of the global network, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent service quality across all regions. Azar monitors market fluctuations to adjust business strategies, maintaining the firm's status as a leader in the sale of condos and estates. Through decisive leadership, Azar strengthens the organizational foundation, ensuring sustainable profitability and continued dominance in the competitive luxury real estate landscape.

    Robert Palotto - Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner

    Robert Palotto, the Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner at Sotheby’s International Realty, manages localized brokerage operations and high-end property sales. Overseeing the specific requirements of the High Falls market, the Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner ensures that every transaction meets the rigorous standards of the brand. This leadership role involves direct engagement with property sellers and buyers to facilitate complex real estate deals. Robert Palotto drives regional growth by leveraging the global network to attract international interest in local luxury homes. By maintaining deep knowledge of regional market dynamics, the Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner provides expert guidance to clients. Palotto optimizes the brokerage workflow to increase efficiency and client satisfaction. Ultimately, Palotto secures the firm's market position by delivering personalized, high-touch service that defines the luxury real estate experience.

    Thomas Wright - Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR

    Thomas Wright, the Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR at Sotheby’s International Realty, oversees the comprehensive management of brokerage activities and professional standards. Directing the daily operations of the firm, the Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR ensures that all agents adhere to the highest levels of professional conduct and market expertise. This role involves managing complex real estate portfolios and guiding the team through high-stakes negotiations for luxury villas and townhomes. Thomas Wright drives business development by identifying new opportunities within the regional luxury market. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR maintains the firm's reputation for superior client service. Wright coordinates with other leadership members to align local strategies with the broader corporate mission. Through meticulous attention to detail, Wright ensures that every client receives tailored advice, ultimately strengthening the brand's influence in the luxury real estate sector.

    Margaret Kelaart - Chief Financial Officer

    Margaret Kelaart, the Chief Financial Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, manages the fiscal health and financial strategy of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the resources necessary to support global luxury real estate operations. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and the development of strategies to optimize revenue streams across the network. Margaret Kelaart drives fiscal discipline by monitoring market trends and adjusting financial models to mitigate risk. By collaborating with the executive team, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights required for strategic decision-making. Kelaart oversees the financial infrastructure that supports the sale of luxury homes and condos, ensuring transparency and accuracy in all transactions. Through careful management of assets and liabilities, Kelaart secures the long-term financial stability of the company, enabling continued investment in brand growth and technological advancements within the luxury real estate market.

    Clifford Siegel - Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Clifford Siegel, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, manages the dual responsibilities of operational efficiency and financial oversight. Overseeing the integration of fiscal planning with daily business activities, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a robust balance between growth and profitability. This leadership role involves managing the financial resources required to support large-scale luxury real estate operations. Clifford Siegel drives strategic initiatives by aligning budgetary constraints with operational goals. By analyzing financial performance, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the allocation of capital to maximize returns on luxury property listings. Siegel coordinates with the board to ensure that financial reporting reflects the operational success of the firm. Through meticulous management of both finances and operations, Siegel secures the company's position as a leader in the luxury market, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence across all global regions.
    Clifford Siegel

    Jeff F. - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeff F., the Chief Operating Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, directs the internal processes and operational workflows that sustain the firm's luxury real estate services. Overseeing the day-to-day execution of business strategies, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function in alignment with corporate objectives. This leadership role involves optimizing the operational framework to support the global network of luxury homes and villas. Jeff F. drives efficiency by refining internal procedures and enhancing the coordination between regional offices. By monitoring performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies areas for improvement and implements solutions that increase productivity. F. collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that operational capacity matches the firm's growth ambitions. Through the management of core business functions, F. maintains the high standards of service expected by the firm's elite clientele. Ultimately, F. ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of the luxury real estate market.

    Francis Symons - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Western & Mountain Regions

    Francis Symons, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Western & Mountain Regions at Sotheby’s International Realty, directs the operational strategy for the Western and Mountain territories. Overseeing the performance of luxury brokerages in these specific geographic areas, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Western & Mountain Regions ensures that regional operations align with the global brand mission. This leadership role involves managing the expansion of the luxury residential portfolio in high-demand markets. Francis Symons drives regional growth by fostering strong relationships with local brokers and high-net-worth clients. By implementing operational best practices, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Western & Mountain Regions enhances the efficiency of property transactions in these regions. Symons coordinates with corporate leadership to ensure that regional initiatives support the overall success of the firm. Through focused regional management, Symons strengthens the brand's presence, ensuring that the firm remains the preferred choice for luxury real estate in the Western and Mountain markets.
    Francis Symons

    Pavel Kudryashov - Chief Information Officer

    Pavel Kudryashov, the Chief Information Officer at Sotheby’s International Realty, architects the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the global brokerage network. Overseeing the implementation of advanced property listing platforms and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm leverages technology to enhance the luxury real estate experience. This role involves securing digital assets and optimizing the online presence of high-end residential listings. Pavel Kudryashov drives innovation by integrating cutting-edge tools that streamline the buying and selling process for clients worldwide. By aligning IT initiatives with business goals, the Chief Information Officer supports the efficiency of the entire organization. Kudryashov manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining the integrity of the global network's digital ecosystem. Through the deployment of scalable solutions, Kudryashov ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of digital transformation, providing a seamless and sophisticated experience for luxury property buyers and sellers.

    Sara Thandi - Chief Marketing Officer, To Gregg Lynn, Sotheby's International Realty Brokerage (SAN Francisco)

    Sara Thandi, the Chief Marketing Officer, To Gregg Lynn, Sotheby's International Realty Brokerage (SAN Francisco) at Sotheby’s International Realty, architects the brand's marketing strategy and promotional initiatives for the San Francisco brokerage. Overseeing the development of high-impact campaigns for luxury homes and condos, the Chief Marketing Officer, To Gregg Lynn, Sotheby's International Realty Brokerage (SAN Francisco) ensures that the firm's market presence remains distinct and compelling. This leadership role involves managing the creative direction and digital marketing efforts that attract elite buyers to the San Francisco market. Sara Thandi drives brand awareness by leveraging sophisticated marketing channels to showcase premium properties. By analyzing consumer behavior, the Chief Marketing Officer, To Gregg Lynn, Sotheby's International Realty Brokerage (SAN Francisco) optimizes marketing spend to achieve maximum reach. Thandi collaborates with brokerage leadership to ensure that marketing efforts directly support sales objectives. Through innovative storytelling and strategic positioning, Thandi elevates the brand's profile, ensuring that the firm remains the premier authority in the competitive San Francisco luxury real estate market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sotheby’s International Realty Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sotheby’s International Realty?
    Sotheby’s International Realty is led by Robert Curtain (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as George Azar (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Robert Palotto (Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner).
    Who is part of Sotheby’s International Realty’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sotheby’s International Realty includes leaders such as Robert Curtain (Chief Executive Officer), George Azar (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Palotto (Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sotheby’s International Realty have?
    Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sotheby’s International Realty’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sotheby’s International Realty includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Broker & High Falls Sotheby's International Realty Owner, Owner, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Broker and REALTOR, Chief Financial Officer.