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National Association of REALTORS® CEO Nykia Wright is among the names on the newly released “MarketWatch 50,” a list of the most powerful leaders in the world. Alongside Wright on the list are some of the most recognizable names across various industries, from real estate to technology to government and politics.
As NAR’s CEO, Wright is the leader of the largest trade association in the U.S., representing more than 1.5 million members. She started as CEO on an interim basis in November 2023 before being appointed permanently to the job in August 2024. Wright joined NAR shortly after a landmark court ruling spurred new practice changes for the industry.
“It’s not the first time Wright has led an organization in the midst of industry upheaval,” MarketWatch notes, citing her time as CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times in 2018 after years of ownership changes and layoffs at the newspaper. Wright led the publication through a digital transformation that included a merger with Chicago Public Media, creating one of the largest nonprofit local newsrooms in the country.
Wright now faces another challenge as the real estate industry moves into a new era and she “shepherds the organization as it faces difficulties, including a housing affordability crisis and changes in compensation roles,” MarketWatch notes.
While Wright has guided the association through complex negotiations related to broker commission claims, she’s also been credited for advancing the association’s work to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members and staff.
“I am clear-eyed about our past and present, and I am hyper-focused on building trust with NAR’s many stakeholders so that we can be successful in bringing the best of NAR to each and every one of our members,” Wright said in August after accepting the permanent CEO position. She has said that NAR is listening and evolving with its members.
