Robert Reffkin retains position as most powerful person in real estate

by Emily Marek

After a year of big moves for Compass, Chairman and CEO Robert Reffkin retained his position as the No. 1 most powerful person in real estate, according to the annual Swanepoel Power 200 from T3 Sixty.

The publication cited acquisitions of Anywhere Real Estate and @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, as well as Compass’ improved profitability in 2025, as evidence of Reffkin’s power in the industry.

Reffkin was also No. 1 on the SP 200 in 2024.

Jeremy Wacksman, CEO of Zillow Group, ranked No. 2, following a profitable year for the real estate portal. T3 Sixty also noted Wacksman’s ongoing battle with Compass over exclusive listings.

No. 3 on the list was Rocket Companies CEO Varun Krishna, who oversaw the group’s acquisition of Redfin in July; followed by eXp World Holdings Founder and CEO Glenn Sanford at No. 4 and Anywhere Real Estate President and CEO Ryan Schneider at No. 5.

Also in the top 10 were Andy Florance, founder and CEO of CoStar Group at No. 6; Chris Kelly, president and CEO of HomeServices of America at No. 7; Howard “Hoby” Hanna IV, CEO of Hanna Holdings at No. 8; Nykia Wright, CEO of the National Association of REALTORS® at No. 9; and Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty at No. 10.

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