Tranzon LLC said it has hired fourth-generation auctioneer Scott King as the company’s new president and chief executive, effective immediately.

Based in Portland, Tranzon is one of the country’s largest real estate auction houses, with 30 offices coast to coast. King replaces former top executive David Warren, who a company official said “has decided to begin a new chapter in his journey.”

King was longtime executive vice president of Gadsden, Alabama-based J.P. King Auction Co. Inc., and he currently serves on the National Auctioneers Association board of directors and as an instructor in the Certified Auctioneers Institute.

“Scott has been a significant part of the success of J.P. King Auction Co. and brings a wealth of experience and insight, which will be of great value as we seek to improve and meet our business and financial goals,” said Tom Saturley, chair of the Tranzon executive committee. “Scott’s first priority will be to reach out to the professionals who make up Tranzon across the country and work with them to provide the support they need to prosper and grow.”

King said he welcomes the new challenge. “My decision … did not come lightly after 35 years in a family business,” he said. “It’s important to note that the entire family supports me fully in this decision. I look forward to serving the Tranzon professionals” throughout the U.S.