Sotheby’s International Realty Canada appoints Mustafa Abbasi president

Mustafa Abbasi (courtesy: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada)

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has appointed Mustafa Abbasi as president, a move the company says brings entrepreneurial leadership and digital expertise to its luxury real estate operations.

Abbasi has built and led technology-enabled brokerages and businesses across Canada’s real estate and financial services sectors. As the founding president of Zolo, he developed a technology-driven real estate platform offering full brokerage services with offices and agents operating nationwide. 

He later guided Zolo’s sale to Questrade Financial Group and went on to serve as president and chief operating officer of Zolo Ventures, overseeing platform development and operational strategy.

Tara Brown, chief executive officer of Peerage Realty Partners and president of Peerage Group Sotheby’s International Realty, said Abbasi’s mix of entrepreneurial and corporate leadership experience positions the brokerage to respond to changing client expectations. His “deep digital expertise and Canadian market insight” will help strengthen the brand’s leadership in the country’s luxury segment, she said.

Abbasi succeeds Effi Barak, who has served as interim president since April 2025.

Growth strategy

In his new role, Abbasi will focus on accelerating strategic growth, including enhancing the company’s marketing and technology platforms and attracting top-tier real estate professionals. The goal, the company said, is to ensure Sotheby’s International Realty Canada remains at the forefront of the luxury market.

Abbasi said he was drawn to what he called “an iconic brand” with a strong commitment to independent advisors across Canada and the clients they serve. “That kind of alignment is rare,” he said.

Blending real estate and fintech

Abbasi said his career has centred on building companies at the intersection of real estate and financial technology, experience he believes will translate well to the new role.

He said he has seen “what’s possible when talented entrepreneurs are supported by the right platform, tools, and leadership,” adding he plans to foster a culture of excellence and innovation while “raising the bar” for advisors and their clients.