Hitt has headed up U.S. operations for Germany-based luxury real estate franchisor Engel & Völkers since 2014. Under Hitt’s leadership, Engel & Völkers USA has grown to approximately 300 real estate offices and more than 5,500 agents, accounting for more than a third of the company’s presence in 30 countries across the globe. In 2021, British equity firm, Permira acquired a 60 percent stake in the global brand.