North American Title Names Midwest Regional Underwriting Counsel
May 31, 2012
North American Title Insurance Co. appointed Michael Waiwood as its new Midwest regional underwriting counsel. As a key member of the NATIC team, he is responsible for developing and implementing NATIC's Midwest underwriting standards, guidelines and procedures and keeping them in line with the overall standards set forth by the chief underwriting counsel. His primary role includes working with and supporting independent North American Title Insurance agents with underwriting guidance and risk mitigation in title issues throughout the Midwest.
"Michael Waiwood adds a dynamic level of expertise and personality to our agency underwriting team," said Geoffrey Ginn, vice president of NATIC's independent agency division. "Mike is well-known in the industry and highly respected by our friends and competitors for the variety of high-level executive positions he has held. In the brief time he has worked with our team, our agents have benefited from Mike's underwriting and business advice, and have developed a productive bond with Mike and with NATIC. The most impressive part of working with Mike is seeing his calm and personable style when working with our agents, which is evident in the first few moments one deals with Mike. He is a classy addition to a strong and growing company, NATIC."
Waiwood has 35 years of experience in the industry as an agent and underwriter. Starting as the executive vice president and general counsel for Midland Title, he gained dual responsibilities when Midland Security Inc. was acquired by a leading national title insurance underwriter. He quickly rose from Ohio state manager to senior regional counsel to president.
"I've seen this industry evolve over the past 35 years, most especially through automation," Waiwood said. "Since locally controlled title operations have become national, I find that large companies have a way of losing touch with their independent agents. I am really impressed with how NATIC serves its agents and how they truly support independent agents in growing their own operations. With NATIC's solid financial strength and its attention to the customs and practices of small agencies, I look forward to being a part of this company's growth. It is really what the industry needs."
Waiwood established the Ohio Title Insurance Rating Bureau where he sat as president from 2000-2003. He was elected into the American College of Real Estate Lawyers in 1989 and named Ohio Super Lawyer in 2006-2007. Waiwood is an avid speaker on real estate and title insurance topics throughout Ohio and Kentucky. He’s also served as a trustee on the Ohio Land Title Association and is currently a member of the Council of the Ohio State Bar Association's Real Estate Section and the Real Estate Law Specialization Committee.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].