Samantha Yanks, the former editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines, has signed on with Douglas Elliman Real Estate as chief marketing officer. Ms. Yanks has more than 18 years of experience in the luxury real estate, fashion and lifestyle publishing industries.
“With this, she brings a unique and strategic vision to our brand, a wealth of experience, and a tremendous network. She has also herself become a strong social influencer and built a substantial and highly-admired online presence with followers around the world,” said Scott Durkin, the president and COO of the firm. “We are very happy to have her on board at Elliman as she helps further propel the brokerage to the top of the real estate industry in all of our markets.”
In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the agency’s national marketing program, as well as the creative force behind digital marketing and Elliman’s brand management, creation and positioning. In recent years, the firm has expanded to California, Florida, Massachusetts, Brooklyn, and Long Island, including the East End, with more than 7,000 agents across 113 offices nationwide. Developing and tailoring sub-branding messaging will also be in her wheelhouse. Yanks will oversee agent and property marketing in “Elliman Magazine” and the firm’s blog “Elliman Insider.”
“I am beyond thrilled to join Douglas Elliman and for the opportunity to work with this powerful global brand,” said Ms. Yanks. “I’ve always had a passion for real estate as it is so much about lifestyle, design, art and culture, and I look forward to bringing my strengths, knowledge and relationships in these areas to Elliman.”
Yanks will be based out of Elliman’s corporate headquarters in Manhattan.
After more than 20 years in the real estate industry, Marty Gleason, a long-time East End resident, is now the senior managing director for The Corcoran Group’s Southampton office.
“Having been with Corcoran for more than a decade, Marty is well-known and highly respected by East End agents and colleagues and is known for his in-depth knowledge of every aspect of the East End real estate business. I have no doubt this will be a flawless transition for Marty as he directs the Southampton office and contributes to the continued growth of Corcoran’s East End business,” said Corcoran President and CEO Pamela Liebman.
Mr. Gleason joined Corcoran in 2006 where he held several management positions, including East End vice president of operations.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Corcoran Southampton office,” he said. “It is a privilege to collaborate with such a wonderful group of talented and successful agents and I look forward to working with them and reaching new levels of success together.”
Ranked among that top real estate agents in the Hamptons is Yorgos Tsibiridis. After a career in finance, he jumped feet first into East End real estate at Corcoran in 2012. He left the firm in 2015 to go to Douglas Elliman, and in less than six years on the South Fork Mr. Tsibiridis had more than $150 million in sales volume. He rejoined Corcoran in April to work alongside his wife, Alicia DeFronze, who became a real estate agent in 2016.
“I’m happy to return to Corcoran, continuing my unwavering commitment to clients and bringing my business to new levels of success,” Mr. Tsibiridis said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Jake Lear, another veteran real estate agent from Elliman, signed on with Corcoran last month, too.