People Roundup: CoStar Group, Avito, Yad2

This week's People Roundup starts off with news of a newly-created Artificial Intelligence role at Avito...

Europe: Avito hires new head of AI

The Russian classifieds giant Avito has appointed Andrey Rybintsev as the company's Managing Director of Artificial Intelligence—a new position.

Rybintsev is a veteran of the company and has been closely involved in the launch of Avito's current AI tools, including the launch of a Trust and Safety department and anti-fraud features using machine learning.

Ivan Guz, Managing Director for Business Development at Avito, said:

"AI is no longer an experiment but a part of Avito’s DNA. Now we are entering a new stage: large-scale implementation of generative and agentic AI in the company’s products, services and internal processes. It opens up new ways of interacting with the platform, new levels of personalization, automation and growth.”

Israeli classifieds website Yad2 appoints new VP of Research & Development

Yad2, the market-leading horizontal marketplace in Israel, has appointed Eli Zerah as the firm's new Vice President of Research & Development.

A post on the company's LinkedIn page said:

We're excited to announce that Eli Zerah has joined us as VP R&D.Eli brings with him experience in leading development teams, creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, along with a human approach and the ability to connect people, technology and vision.

Yad2 is operated by AVIV Group (the marketplace was acquired by Axel Springer in 2014), with Tomy Schoenfeld at the helm since 2022. It has circa 80,000 real estate listings, with circa 30,000 listings in Greater Tel Aviv.

Axel Springer split its media and marketplaces businesses in 2024 in an $11 billion deal that saw KKR take control of Axel Springer's marketplaces businesses.

North America: CoStar appoints head of Multifamily Analytics

CoStar Group has appointed Grant Montgomery as National Director of Multifamily Analytics. The role positions Montgomery as the company’s lead representative on U.S. multifamily market trends, responsible for external commentary and client-facing insights.

According to CoStar, the hire strengthens its existing analytics capabilities across the multifamily sector. Montgomery is tasked with enhancing the company’s market outlook and ensuring continuity in data quality and interpretation for clients in the commercial real estate space.

Galina Alexeenko, Vice President, CoStar Group Market Analytics, said:

"We are thrilled to have Grant, a demonstrated, multi-faceted researcher, leader and strategic advisor, join the team. Grant’s vast experience in real estate research and operations, coupled with CoStar’s unparalleled multifamily data and analytics, will provide our clients with insights into the multifamily market’s key trends and developments. We welcome this outstanding addition to CoStar Group’s analytics team."

Montgomery brings over 25 years of industry experience. Most recently, he was Vice President of Research at Elme Communities, where he led data strategy supporting the company’s transition to a multifamily REIT. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and Apartment Practice Director at Delta Associates, advising institutional clients and public-sector entities on apartment market dynamics.