We took some time to speak with Chris Dietz, President of Global Operations at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. With offices in London, Chicago and Singapore, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is a global network of top independent real estate firms, with 550 companies and 134,000 sales associates in over 70 countries.
LeadingRE supports its members with powerful connections to other market leaders and access to innovative, performance-driven programs. Its online learning platform, LeadingRE Institute, was named to Training magazine’s Top 10 Hall of Fame.
Tell us about your property career.
My career in real estate began through a strong fascination for the intersection of local markets and global trends and I now have 30 years of experience in the property industry! Before joining LeadingRE, I managed the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions for a U.S.-based relocation management company out of the London office.
Before that, I developed a relocation business in Europe for a large US real estate franchise brand. This international exposure deepened my appreciation for diverse markets and prepared me for my role at LeadingRE where I have an opportunity to leverage my experience to foster collaboration between independent, market-leading real estate firms. This role combines my passion for real estate with global strategy and innovation.
What do you like most about your job at LeadingRE?
As President, of Global Operations, I execute LeadingRE’s expansion plans, focusing on strategies to grow and manage the network’s international footprint, including marketing efforts and brand awareness initiatives. What I enjoy most is the global connectivity and the collaborative spirit within our network.
LeadingRE represents over 550 independent real estate firms in more than 70 countries, and working with such diverse, top-performing companies is a privilege. The dynamism of the real estate industry means there is always a new challenge, and being at the helm of an organization that values innovation, relationship-building, and market leadership keeps me energized. I am continually impressed by the way our member companies exchange insights, support one another, and collectively elevate industry standards.
Whether we’re launching new tools or hosting global real estate summits, I take pride in knowing that LeadingRE is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our members. The ability to market properties and developments to top real estate professionals worldwide is a huge benefit.
What are your predictions for global real estate in 2025?
By 2025, I expect global real estate to be shaped by sustainability, digital transformation, and evolving consumer preferences. The trend toward environmentally conscious living looks set to accelerate, with more homebuyers seeking energy-efficient, eco-friendly properties. We’re also witnessing the rise of smart homes and AI-driven technologies in property management, which will continue to reshape the sector.
Urbanization will remain a significant force, particularly in Asia and Africa, where megacities are growing rapidly. However, the pandemic has also left a lasting legacy on remote work, which means suburban and even rural real estate markets will maintain their appeal. From a financial perspective, global real estate investment will likely see an influx of capital from emerging markets, further diversifying the industry.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
My greatest achievement has been the opportunity to spearhead LeadingRE’s global expansion, establishing the organization as a premier real estate network that spans continents. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help foster collaboration between independent firms around the world that might not have otherwise connected. Helping our member firms succeed on a global scale—while staying true to their local roots—is something I’m especially proud of.
What distinguishes LeadingRE from its competitors?
What sets LeadingRE apart is our position as the global authority on interrelated real estate services. By focusing on all aspects of real estate – from residential to commercial to relocation – we are unique in our ability to foster opportunities across market segments.
Our qualified membership network is made up of market-leading firms that are embedded in their local communities, which gives them a distinct advantage when it comes to providing tailored real estate services. Unlike franchise models, LeadingRE allows firms to retain their brand identity and autonomy while benefiting from the global connections, technology, and resources that our network offers.
Additionally, our commitment to continuous learning, through platforms like LeadingRE Institute, ensures that our members are always at the cutting edge of real estate trends and practices.
What does the future look like for LeadingRE?
The future is one focused on growth and innovation. We’re committed to expanding our global reach, particularly in fast-growing markets like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Technologically, we’re focused on enhancing our digital offerings to give our members the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven real estate landscape. We will remain a vital and trusted partner for quality firms looking to lead the field in their respective markets.
What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the possibilities that digital transformation brings to the real estate sector. The way people buy, sell, and manage properties is evolving, and our network is at the forefront of that change. Whether it’s incorporating AI into property management or developing new tools to make transactions smoother, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in property.
I’m also excited about our international growth and the increasing role we will play in new, emerging markets. We have built a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to helping our network continue to innovate and provide an excellent, industry-leading service for clients in the years to come.
For more information, please visit www.leadingre.com
