MADISON, N.J., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the appointment of Kevin Thompson, a seasoned global luxury brand marketing professional, as chief marketing officer.  In this role, Thompson is responsible for overseeing the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s marketing, advertising, and public relations initiatives worldwide.

"Kevin Thompson has an extensive background working with globally recognized luxury brands and brings a passion for creating exceptional consumer experiences through the strategic use of marketing and branding," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates.  "He has a comprehensive understanding of the luxury consumer, which is an invaluable insight for our business, and his drive to inspire while also innovating aligns with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand mission.  We welcome his marketing acumen as our brand continues to pioneer in the luxury residential real estate industry and we are proud to have him join our team."

Thompson will lead a team of global marketing professionals, spearheading the strategic planning and execution of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s global media program, services and resources to drive awareness for the brand and its affiliates worldwide.

"The Sotheby’s International Realty brand represents unparalleled quality, tradition and service," said Thompson.  "I am thrilled to join this organization of industry-leading professionals and to work with them to further define the Sotheby’s International Realty brand narrative for a global audience.  The renowned history of the brand, combined with a modern, forward-looking approach to delivering an exceptional consumer experience sets it apart from the competition.  I am proud to be named chief marketing officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates and have the opportunity to be a part of the evolution of this illustrious brand."

Prior to joining Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Thompson served as vice president of marketing and customer experience for Simon Property Group, a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development.  He has also held senior marketing positions within globally recognized luxury brands, most recently Barney’s New York and Gucci. His well-rounded executive leadership experience spans across an array of specialties including marketing, management, project development, operations, and training, in a variety of industries, such as, luxury fashion, real estate and public institutions.  Thompson is also a Co-founder of Ruiru Rising, a not-for-profit organization that funds higher education programs for at-risk youth in Rural Kenya.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 20,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 880 offices in 66 countries and territories worldwide.  Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website.  In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.  Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.  In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house.  The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

CONTACT
Lindsey Scharf
Director, Public Relations and Communications
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
175 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
(973) 407-5596
Lindsey.Scharf@sothebysrealty.com

SOURCE Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC