Baird & Warner Promotes Two Senior Leaders Within Residential Sales and Marketing Divisions
Baird & Warner, Illinois' largest family-owned independent real estate services company, today announced it has promoted two long-standing members of its senior leadership team. Laura Ellis is now chief strategy officer and president of residential sales, while Peter Papakyriacou has been named chief marketing officer. Combined, Ellis and Papakyriacou have more than 37 years with Baird & Warner.
"Laura and Peter are dynamic leaders who have a gift for assembling the right people and processes while bringing out the best in their teams to create a truly outstanding experience for Baird & Warner agents, homebuyers and sellers," said Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. "They embody the best of our firm's values and strive every day to empower our people in making the process of buying and selling a home an easier experience for all."
Ellis joined Baird & Warner in 1998 and has spent the past 25 years in various leadership roles, from sales manager to vice president of sales operations. She most recently served as EVP and president of residential sales. In her new role, Ellis will partner with leadership across all business units to implement a companywide strategic integration plan and align Baird & Warner's sales teams to drive business growth. She will continue to oversee the daily operations of residential sales and serve on the company's executive committee.
"Laura is a proven business strategist with deep operational knowledge and a track record of building consensus among teams," noted Baird. "She is known throughout the industry for her inspirational leadership, hands-on approach and ability to grow revenue."
Under her leadership, Baird & Warner's branch offices have achieved new levels of production, recruiting, mortgage and title, all while developing innovative practices. Ellis also was instrumental in the creation of the Baird & Warner Leadership Institute, a unique training program that teaches leadership and business skills to agents, while preparing them to take on management positions.
"As someone who began their real estate career as an agent, I know how hard agents work in serving their clients, so it's an honor to be working alongside the best residential sales teams in Chicagoland in this new capacity to help them achieve their goals," said Ellis. "I'm also extremely thankful to Baird & Warner for helping me grow professionally and personally for the past 25 years. This is a company that not only has a rich history of doing the right thing, but always has an eye on the future to adapt, innovate and take care of its greatest asset - its people. I'm so proud of the firm and ready to embrace this new chapter."
Ellis has a bachelor's degree in Business Management & Public Relations from Illinois State University.
Papakyriacou joined Baird & Warner in 2011, and most recently held the title of senior vice president of marketing & communications. In his expanded role, Papakyriacou will partner with Ellis to create strategic internal and external marketing and communications in support of a uniquely easier, fully integrated real estate experience for agents, buyers and sellers.
"Over the past 12 years, Peter has made a deep impact leading marketing and communications efforts across the organization both internally and externally," said Baird. "Not only has he been instrumental in elevating Baird & Warner's brand strategy to help us fulfill our strategic vision of delivering a uniquely innovative and easier process for everyone involved in a real estate transaction, but he's also been a true champion in sharing news about the good work our teams do - from record-breaking sales to our amazing volunteer efforts and charitable contributions."
Papakyriacou brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate brand strategy and communications across a broad range of industries. He spearheaded the development, launch and implementation of Baird & Warner's industry-leading Marketing Services group and, most recently, was recognized by Inman as one of its 2023 Marketing All-Stars for his efforts as a boundary-pushing marketer who has driven success and impact in the real estate community.
"To say I'm passionate about sharing Baird & Warner's values and vision of finding easier ways to turn the American dream of homeownership into reality might be an understatement," said Papakyriacou. "I'm very fortunate and excited to partner with Laura in this new role as we create fresh and engaging opportunities to bring continued innovation, awareness and support that position our teams for long-term success, while offering homebuyers and sellers a unique one-stop shopping experience."
Papakyriacou holds a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MBA in International Marketing from Loyola University Chicago.
About Baird & Warner Real Estate Inc.:
Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is Illinois' largest family-owned independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation and integrity for more than 165 years. Steve Baird, the firm's fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry's most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a nine-time winner of the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplace award, and with more than 2,500 broker associates in 28 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title and relocation services, it ranks among the nation's top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.