Industry icon, leader and proud Canadian, Sherry Chris is retiring as president and CEO of ERA Real Estate and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

In a press release, the company shared Chris will move into the position of executive advisor for Anywhere Brands, which includes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE), Century 21, Coldwell Banker and Sotheby’s International Realty.

The move comes after Chris’ nearly two-decade-long tenure in brand leadership with the company and more than 40 years in the real estate industry.

The next chapter

Chris has been recognized for her success in guiding the brands’ strategic growth, franchise sales, and marketing innovation, as well as mentoring new generations of real estate leaders.

The leader’s next act at Anywhere is as an executive advisor for Anywhere Brands. She will be supporting the company’s growing network of affiliated broker/owners and serving as a respected voice in the industry. Her innovative mindset has fueled success for the brands that she has served. 

“As I reflect on my years leading some of the greatest brands in real estate, I appreciate the immense privilege I have had to work alongside so many amazing entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” Chris says. 

“I am honoured Anywhere has asked me to continue following my passion for helping broker/owners across our brands thrive and find success in their business as I continue to champion them in the industry.” 

She says she’ll be splitting her time between her home in Toronto and Palm Beach, Fla.

Chris is well-known for building businesses based on next-generation consumer insights, combined with a keen marketing and sales acumen.

The company shared that, under Chris’s leadership, BHGRE grew significantly across more than 40 US states and six countries, and ERA Real Estate saw similar growth, expanding to 43 US states and 34 countries. 

As new leaders are identified for BHGRE and ERA, the company says Chris will continue to provide oversight to ensure a smooth transition.

Chris’s contributions to the industry

Chris has made significant contributions to the industry, not just through her brand leadership but also through her advisory roles. She has served on advisory boards for the National Association of Realtors Real Estate Services program, the Asian Real Estate Association of America Education Foundation, and New Story, a charitable organization that builds safe homes and thriving communities in developing countries.

Chris’s contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. She has been recognized as one of Inman’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders, inducted into the RISMedia Newsmakers Hall of Fame, and recognized as a 2021 HousingWire Woman of Influence. She is a leader in the Swanepoel Power 200 list, a Luminary in RISMedia’s Newsmakers list, and an industry Gamechanger by RealTrends, among others.

Career and education

Chris began her career in Canada’s banking industry and moved into real estate in 1982, quickly rising through the ranks of brokerage leadership at various real estate companies before becoming chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a role she held before launching BHGRE. Chris is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario and earned an MBA from the Ivey School of Business.

A gracious ‘thank you’

Sue Yannaccone, president and CEO of Anywhere Brands and Anywhere Advisors, expressed her gratitude and congratulations to Chris, saying that “the impact Sherry has made on our company, our brands, and our affiliated brokers and agents is nothing less than remarkable. Her fearless and poised approach to creating brands is showcased by the success and growth of both Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and ERA.” 

Yannaccone adds, “Sherry remains one of the most influential and impactful leaders in the real estate industry, which is why we are thrilled she will continue to share her talents with our company in her new role.”

Chris’ retirement from brand leadership is effective May 1, 2023.

REM Editorial Team