About two months ago at Top of the Rock, Ed Bruehl found himself sitting across from Ilija Pavlovic, president and CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Group, pointing out a blind spot.
The exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, which serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, had not fully tapped the Hamptons market, Bruehl explained, sharing his opinion.
Pavlovic told him to do it. And so, Bruehl is.
Last week, the real estate broker — who has nearly 20 years of experience in the Hamptons luxury market and over $1 billion in career sales — left his decadelong post at Saunders & Associates and joined Christie’s as managing director of the East Hampton office, where he plans to expand the brand’s reach by, in part, bringing listings to the international stage.
“I’m just excited,” Bruehl said on Monday. “I’m not in a hurry. I want to grow as fast as the grass grows or the sun sets. That’s my MO. I’m in no hurry, but I’m really good at what I do.”
Originally from California, Bruehl began his career at Morgan Stanley in New York before relocating to the East End in 2002, where he started his real estate career with Sotheby’s International Realty. At both of his previous firms, he was a top-producing associate broker “known for his confidentiality, integrity and deep knowledge to support the homebuyer and the investor,” according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ed at Christie’s,” Pavlovic said in a statement. “I have followed Ed’s impressive career and in him see a drive and moral compass that aligns with our company philosophy. He understands that Christie’s is an international brand that has deep connections to each community we are a part of.”
To increase Christie’s visibility for the Hamptons flagship office at 26 Park Place in East Hampton, Bruehl said he will launch a podcast and design a broadcast studio to host his YouTube channel.
In addition, the office will hold events “as part of Christie’s initiative to serve every member of the community with the same uncompromising commitment — from starter homes in Springs to south-of-the-highway estates — delivering hallmark care and attention in every detail,” the release said.