The company's prepared statement says vice chairman Peter Speier will work with Studley's Southeast and Southwest regions. Seven brokers make up Studley's Atlanta office following the exodus of branch manager and top producer Neal Golden and his colleagues.

Golden couldn't be reached for comment. But Studley senior executive vice president Stephen B. Goldstein told GlobeSt.com reporter Stacey Corso last week Golden left because he sensed a potential leadership change in Studley's New York office if company founder Julien J. Studley stepped down this year at the age of 76.

Goldstein tells GlobeSt.com today the departure of the 15 brokers "surprised me, of course," but says he hopes to hire experienced professionals from the Atlanta community shortly to return the office staff to full strength. "We are committed to that market," Goldstein says.