Stewart Title Guaranty Promotes Houghton to National Independent Title Agency Director

June 22, 2005

HOUSTON, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stewart Title Guaranty Co. has promoted George L. Houghton Jr. to national independent title agency director, a new position designed to enable a smooth delivery system for all Stewart offerings supporting its independent agency network.

"As Stewart has expanded, revenue generated by our independent agents has increased to nearly 56 percent of company revenues," said Malcolm S. Morris, president, Stewart Title Guaranty Co. "These title agencies are vital to the distribution of our policies and products to the customer.

"George Houghton is a skilled underwriter, ran his own successful title agency for many years, handled difficult commercial closings and became one of our most talented district agency managers -- doubling the revenues of his district," added Morris. "We believe that George will do a tremendous job of streamlining our systems and helping unify our national title agency support system. I am happy to have his commitment on this vital area of the title business."

Houghton is a 30-year veteran of the title industry, having worked as an escrow officer, title officer, marketing representative and manager in all phases of operations. As president, chief executive officer and majority owner, he built Fort Bend Title Co. from one office with 10 associates to seven offices in Fort Bend and Harris counties with 40 associates. After selling his company, Houghton later worked for another underwriter as assistant to its president.

He came to Stewart Title of Houston in 1998 as senior vice president and downtown commercial office manager, handling underwriting and closings for large commercial transactions. In 2000, he became vice president and district agency manager for South and West Texas, helping to grow the number of independent title agencies issuing for Stewart Title Guaranty Co., Stewart's primary title insurance underwriting company.

Source: Stewart Title Guaranty Co.


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