Veteran Brokerage Exec Steps Down From BHHS

A veteran residential brokerage executive is trading New York City for Florida.

Diane Ramirez is stepping down from her post as chief strategy officer at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties to join her husband, investment banker Samuel Ramirez, down south, she announced to agents on Thursday.

But Ramirez is adamant that the move is a resignation, not a retirement. While she said she’s taking her time to plan out her next step, she does already have a new venture in mind. And of course, it’s real estate-related.

“But what aspect of it? I’m not sure. That’s where I’m really an open book,” she said. “I will definitely have another chapter or two in my life.”

Ramirez’s last day with the company is May 31. She said her co-leaders at the firm, Steven James and Brad Loe, likely won’t be bringing on a chief strategy officer in the short-term.

As part of her role, Ramirez was tasked with boosting partnerships with other BHHS franchises and growing the firm’s brand across the city and nearby markets. Of her three years at the company, Ramirez said she’s most proud of the culture she, James and Loe fostered between agents and leadership.

“We’re not worried about size. We’re not worried about being everywhere. We want people that are professional and have experience and no drama,” she said. “We’re in such a flux now in our industry… We’re all being turned upside down, but there is a model that works. And we found it.”

Ramirez joined BHHS in 2021, after stepping down from her post as Brown Harris Stevens’ executive chairman and senior adviser. Her departure from BHS came about a year after the firm merged with Halstead — a company she co-founded with Clark Halstead in 1984.

Ramirez spent 14 years as president of Halstead before taking over as its first CEO in 2013. Under her leadership, the company added 30 offices and 1,400 agents across the city and the tri-state area, according to a spokesperson.

A native of Jackson Heights, Queens, she launched her real estate career in Palm Beach before returning to the city.

“I’m gonna really miss [the team]. I cried when I told everyone yesterday because that part of my heart is a little broken,” Ramirez said. “But I’m following my real strong heart, which is my husband.”