In a strategic move that signals its expansion ambitions, Koenig & Strey GMAC has hired Doug Ayers, who was with rival Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, to head its Chicagoland operations, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune. Ayers, who has been president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Chicago and Milwaukee since 1996, will replace Christopher Eigel, who recently retired after 33 years at Koenig & Strey.
As executive vice president of the central region, Ayers will oversee Koenig’s 18 area offices and steer the expansion of GMAC-owned brokerages in the Midwest. Frances Broude will replace Ayers at Coldwell, where she has been executive vice president and general sales manager locally since 2004.