Douglas Elliman, the third-largest residential real estate brokerage company in the United States, has announced that Samantha Yanks, an award-winning editor and branding expert with over 18-years of experience in the luxury real estate, fashion and lifestyle publishing industries, has been named the firm’s new chief marketing officer. In this role, Yanks will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Elliman’s fully-integrated national marketing program, and will be the creative force behind brand creation, digital marketing, brand management and positioning. Yanks was most recently the editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury’s Gotham and Hamptons magazines.

Yanks' past publishing experience focused on markets that match Elliman’s including New York City, Los Angeles, the Hamptons, Boston and Aspen to help with a seamless brand message across all Elliman markets. She will also work with each region to tailor each sub-brand’s relevant messaging. Her position also includes overseeing agent and property marketing, Elliman Magazine and the firm’s blog Elliman Insider as well as major sponsorships such as the Hampton Classic and Art Basel Miami.

Some 43,336 deals were performed by Douglas Elliman agents in 2017 for a total sales volume of $26.1 billion, up 6% from $24.6 billion in 2016. The firm expanded to new markets in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Brooklyn, Long Island and the Hamptons and now boasts over 7,000 agents in 113 offices nationwide. Yanks’ expertise will help grow Elliman brand awareness and market share as the brokerage continues expansion efforts across the country.

“Samantha’s focus throughout her illustrious career has been the crossroads of the real estate, fashion, beauty, travel, entertainment, culture, hospitality and interior design sectors,” said Scott Durkin, President and COO of the firm. “With this, she brings a unique and strategic vision to our brand, a wealth of experience, and a tremendous network. She has also herself become a strong social influencer and built a substantial and highly-admired online presence with followers around the world. We are very happy to have her on board at Elliman as she helps further propel the brokerage to the top of the real estate industry in all of our markets from Malibu to Montauk and from Manhattan to Miami.”

“Samantha is an extraordinary talent and we are very fortunate to have her join Douglas Elliman’s leadership team,” said Howard M. Lorber, Chairman of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. “She is a powerful marketer and branding expert and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.” 

“I am beyond thrilled to join Douglas Elliman and for the opportunity to work with this powerful global brand,” said Yanks. “I’ve always had a passion for real estate as it is so much about lifestyle, design, art and culture, and I look forward to bringing my strengths, knowledge and relationships in these areas to Elliman.”