Town Residential broker Takeshi “Takk” Yamaguchi is departing the firm to join Manhattan startup Urban Compass as a real estate agent.
Yamaguchi’s hire is key to Urban Compass’ strategic growth goals, according to a release from the firm. He has exclusively represented over $100 million in real estate assets during his career, and will bring two-dozen exclusive listings with him in the leap from Town. He will also take on management of the sponsor units at the white-glove condominium tower the Corinthian, at 330 East 38th Street in Murray Hill.
Yamaguchi and a hiring representative for Urban Compass were not immediately available for comment.
Yamaguchi’s arrival marks the latest high-profile hire for the firm, which initially combined a StreetEasy-style listings website with a team of salaried “neighborhood specialists” who functioned much like rental brokers. The company has since shifted towards a more traditional brokerage model. StreetEasy data guru Sofia Song, who served as the company’s longtime head of research and communications, joined the company as head of research and external affairs, as The Real Deal reported at the time.
Yamaguchi’s departure also comes after Town founder Andrew Heiberger was recently ousted from his post as the firm’s chief executive, and after the ex-CEO filed suit against the firm’s equity partner Joseph Sitt following his removal. The duo sent an email to Town staff earlier this month addressing the ongoing dispute, acknowledging the disagreement but saying “as co-owners of Town, we are fully committed to ensuring that the company’s rapid ascent continues unabated, despite any disagreements we might have,” according to the email, which was forwarded to The Real Deal.