Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, exemplifies bold leadership, consumer advocacy, and transformative innovation in the real estate industry. As the first Latino CEO of a global real estate brokerage, Pareja is ushering in a new era that prioritizes equity, agility, and agent-first innovation. His leadership in the wake of the NAR settlement has made him a vocal advocate for transparency, inclusion, and consumer empowerment.
Over the past year, Pareja has emerged as a national thought leader, driving conversations around consumer advocacy and real estate transparency. His op-ed in Inman News, “You Can’t Champion Consumers and Gatekeep Listings,” challenged entrenched practices, earning praise for addressing issues often avoided by industry leaders. As a bilingual executive with deep operational experience, Pareja brings strategic depth and cultural fluency to his pivotal role in the real estate economy.
Beyond public advocacy, Pareja actively engages at the intersection of policy, technology, and operations. He represents eXp Realty at major industry conferences and is frequently featured in media as an expert on regulatory change and agent strategy. His commitment to mentorship and volunteer service through organizations like NAHREP underscores his dedication to equity and representation in housing.
Under Pareja’s leadership, eXp Realty has strengthened its position as a leading brokerage, expanding its global footprint and influence amidst industry disruption. In 2025, he prioritized consumer trust, listing transparency, and agent readiness in response to the NAR settlement. His initiatives in agent onboarding and training infrastructure have led to increased productivity and retention.
Pareja’s impact is profound, solidifying eXp Realty as the largest independent brokerage globally. Through technological innovation and decentralized leadership, he ensures eXp’s agent-centric model remains competitive and future-proof, redefining modern brokerage leadership for the industry.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t just build companies, build people.
Name:
Leo Pareja
Title:
CEO, eXp Realty
Company Name:
eXp Realty