Former CEO Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Howard Lorber, the chief executive of Douglas Elliman Real Estate stepped down on October 22 2024, effective immediately, in the face of mounting criticism of his leadership in steering the brokerage’s finances and his failure to adequately address sexual assault allegations against agents in the company. Lorber had been chairman of the New York-based company since 2003, Mr. Lorber, along with Dottie Herman, acquired Douglas Elliman in 2003 and has since achieved record sales year over year. Those revenues and the business acumen that Mr. Lorber brought to Douglas Elliman have transformed the company into one with unprecedented economic might and influence in the industry. Mr. Lorber plays an extremely active role in the company and prides himself on his ability to attract and retain the most talented sales personnel. In addition Mr. Lorber is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Vector Group Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary, New Valley LLC, the parent company of Douglas Elliman. Mr. Lorber has actively managed Vector Group and New Valley’s diversified interests since 1994, including its $400 million in real estate assets. In addition to his role at Vector Group, Mr. Lorber has served as Chairman of the Board of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services since May 2001 and Executive Chairman of Nathan’s Famous. Mr. Lorber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Science degree in Taxation and an Honorary Doctorate from Long Island University, where he is also a trustee.
