Lennar Announces Leadership Transition Welcomes New Chief Legal Officer
Lennar Corporation, one of the largest and most respected homebuilders in the United States, has announced two significant changes in its executive leadership team, marking a new chapter in the company’s ongoing evolution.
On September 2, 2025, Mark Sustana, who has served as General Counsel and Vice President since 2005, will retire after two decades of distinguished service. Katherine Lee Martin, a highly accomplished legal executive, will assume the role of Chief Legal Officer on the same day. Concurrently, Lennar’s long-time Chief Operating Officer, Fred Rothman, will also retire from his role, concluding nearly 20 years of service to the company. Rothman will continue as a consultant post-retirement, and the company has indicated that it does not plan to appoint a direct successor.
These changes reflect both a moment of reflection on the careers of two instrumental leaders and a bold step forward with the introduction of fresh legal leadership, as Lennar continues to navigate a rapidly changing real estate landscape.
Honoring Mark Sustana’s Two-Decade Legacy at Lennar
Mark Sustana joined Lennar in 2005 as General Counsel and, over the years, has emerged as a cornerstone of the company’s executive team. He was promoted to Vice President in 2018, and throughout his tenure, he has overseen critical legal and strategic functions that supported Lennar’s rapid growth, mergers, regulatory challenges, and corporate governance.
Sustana’s career at Lennar has been marked by his steady guidance during significant milestones — including the company’s navigation of economic cycles, expansive growth strategies, and the successful integration of acquired businesses. He has been instrumental in ensuring the company’s compliance across diverse jurisdictions and in building a strong legal framework that has helped sustain Lennar’s competitive edge.
“Mark has been a trusted leader and advisor, and a steady hand through the last 20 years of change and opportunity at Lennar,” said Stuart Miller, Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “His integrity, wisdom, and dedication to our company have helped shape the foundation we stand on today. We thank him for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Although Mr. Sustana is stepping down, he will not be departing immediately from Lennar’s corporate orbit. He will remain on board in a consulting capacity for a transitional period, ensuring a seamless handover to his successor.
Introducing Katherine Lee Martin: A New Era of Legal Leadership
Succeeding Mark Sustana as Chief Legal Officer is Katherine Lee Martin, a highly accomplished and versatile legal executive with over 20 years of experience in corporate law, governance, compliance, and litigation.
Martin most recently served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at The Hertz Corporation, where she was instrumental in managing legal strategy during a time of considerable transformation. She joined Hertz in May 2023 as Vice President and Chief Counsel, later expanding her responsibilities to include Chief Compliance Officer from January 2024 to June 2024. She held several senior roles within the organization, culminating in her leadership as the top legal executive from July 2024 onward.
Before her time at Hertz, Martin held key legal leadership roles at X Corp. (formerly Twitter, Inc.) between August 2021 and April 2023. Her work there gave her exposure to the complex regulatory environment surrounding technology and social media platforms, adding depth to her already extensive portfolio. Earlier in her career, Martin served with distinction as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, a role she held for over a decade. Her legal foundations were built during a federal clerkship in the Eastern District of Virginia after completing her law degree at the William & Mary Law School. Notably, prior to law school, she worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Katherine to Lennar,” added Mr. Miller. “Her experience across corporate law, litigation, technology, and regulatory issues, marked by a strong commitment to ethical standards and operational excellence, make her a great fit for our company. We look forward to having her as an integral part of the executive team.”
Martin brings not only legal acumen but also a collaborative spirit and a fresh perspective that align with Lennar’s strategic priorities. Her diverse background — spanning government, tech, and Fortune 500 corporations — positions her well to navigate the complex legal and regulatory issues inherent in today’s homebuilding industry.
Celebrating Fred Rothman’s Impactful Career and Philanthropic Legacy
In a separate but equally significant announcement, Lennar confirmed the upcoming retirement of Fred Rothman, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, also effective September 2, 2025. Rothman joined Lennar in 2006 and quickly established himself as a transformative leader. He initially served as Eastern Regional President before being elevated to COO in 2019.
Throughout his career, Rothman has played a vital role in Lennar’s operational success. He has overseen strategic initiatives that drove efficiency, improved margins, and streamlined construction timelines across key markets. He was a central figure in Lennar’s transition to a “land-light” strategy, which focuses on reducing land holdings while accelerating development timelines — a move that has proven successful in adapting to changing housing demand and market volatility.
Rothman also had a guiding hand in the spin-off of Millrose Properties, a move that allowed Lennar to sharpen its focus on core homebuilding operations while unlocking value through portfolio optimization.
“Over the years, Fred has been an essential part of Lennar’s evolution and growth and has helped guide our homebuilding operations with exceptional insight and focus,” said Miller. “His efforts have strengthened Lennar across every aspect of our business—from scaling our operations and enhancing efficiency to being instrumental in our shift to a land-light strategy and the successful spin-off of Millrose Properties. We appreciate the many contributions he’s made during his tenure at the company.”
Beyond his executive duties, Rothman has earned widespread respect for his philanthropic efforts. He has been a driving force behind Lennar’s national initiative to provide housing for wounded U.S. military veterans, ensuring they have access to affordable, accessible homes. For this work, he received the prestigious Lee Greenwood Patriot Award in 2023. He is also an active supporter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, helping raise awareness and funding for those affected by the disease.
As with Mr. Sustana, Rothman will continue to serve Lennar as a consultant after stepping down, helping preserve organizational continuity while mentoring future operational leaders. The company has clarified that it does not plan to appoint a new COO at this time, signaling confidence in the existing leadership infrastructure.
