CEO of First American Title Insurance Company of New York Retires
January 9, 2008
SANTA ANA, Calif., -- First American Title Insurance Company announced today the retirement of James M. Orphanides as chairman, CEO and president of its subsidiary, First American Title Insurance Company of New York, effective December 31, 2007. Orphanides, who joined First American in 1992, will continue to work for the New York subsidiary under a consulting agreement and also will serve as the company's chairman emeritus.
Orphanides has had a profound influence on the title industry during his 35-year tenure. After entering the industry in 1972, Orphanides gained extensive experience over the next 10 years working in national sales and marketing positions with two large national title insurers. In 1982, he became a principal with Preferred Land Title Services Inc., which was later acquired by First American in 1992. Upon joining First American and being named executive vice president and director, Orphanides went on to help lead First American to a leading market share position in New York. In recognition of his skillful leadership and wise counsel, he was appointed to the board of directors of the parent company in 1995.
Orphanides' extensive industry involvement includes membership in the New York Land Title Association, American Land Title Association, International Council of Shipping Centers (ICSC), Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Pension Real Estate Association (PREA). Also actively involved in his community, Orphanides currently serves on the boards of the Foundation for Medical Evaluation and Early Detection and Seeds of Peace. He also is a member of the Lincoln Center Corporate Fund Leadership Committee.
"Jim is a well-known and respected leader who has been a major influence on the title industry, not only in New York, but throughout the country," said Curt G. Johnson, president of First American Title Insurance Company. "His insight and industry experience were major contributors to the formation and success of our company's National Commercial Services Division."
Steven M. Napolitano has been appointed to succeed Orphanides as chairman, CEO and president of First American's New York subsidiary. In addition, he has been named New York division president for First American Title Insurance Company.
Bringing more than 20 years of title industry experience to his new position, Napolitano has been with First American's New York subsidiary since 1988 and has been actively involved in that company's strategic planning and marketing initiatives. Most recently, he served as senior executive vice president with oversight of the company's sales and business development efforts. He also is a member of the company's board of directors.
Napolitano's professional affiliations include the Mortgage Bankers Association of New York, Commercial Mortgage Securities Association, ICSC, National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, PREA and ULI. He also is a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement.
Source: First American
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].