Matthew Morris Steps Down as Stewart President
January 16, 2020
Matthew Morris announced that he stepped down as president of Stewart Information Services Corp. on Jan. 15. He will continue to serve as a member of Stewart’s Board of Directors. In addition, Morris will provide advisory services to the company and to new CEO Fred Eppinger for the next six months.
"I have been very pleased with Fred’s integration into Stewart and grateful for a seamless transition as the company makes bold plans for the future," Morris said. "I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to help Fred and the Stewart team execute on his strategic vision. It has been my deepest honor and privilege to serve this great company over the last 15 years. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in Stewart’s industry leading position moving forward."
The announcement comes nearly four months after Fidelity National Financial’s failed attempt to acquire Stewart. The two companies terminated FNF's proposed $1.2 billion acquisition of Stewart due to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) issuance of an administrative complaint seeking to block the merger. Following that announcement, Stewart made changes to its executive leadership naming Eppinger as chief executive officer. Morris, who has served as chief executive officer since 2011, remained with the company as president.
Morris is the great-great nephew of Maco Stewart, who founded Stewart Title in 1893. The Morris family has been involved with the company since W.C. Morris joined Stewart as a stenographer in 1897. W.C. Morris eventually became president and served in this role until his death in 1950. That’s when brothers Carloss Morris and Stewart Morris Sr. took over. In 1999, Carloss’ and Stewart Sr.’s sons, Malcolm Morris and Stewart Morris Jr., were elected co-CEOs of Stewart.
Morris joined Stewart in May 2004 to serve as senior vice president of planning and development. He was named to the Stewart Title Guaranty Co. board of directors in 2006 to replace his grandfather Carloss Morris, who passed away in 2005.
Previously, Morris held the positions of senior executive vice president for Stewart Information Services Corporation, Stewart Title Company and Stewart Title Guaranty Company. Morris has also served as the president of Stewart Professional Solutions which oversees the corporate and back office functions, including marketing, information technology services, employee services, finance and accounting, the strategy and program management office, and audit/risk management for the Stewart companies.
"There’s no way to give enough thanks to Matt for his leadership and contributions to Stewart," Eppinger said. "Matt is a respected leader and has a relentless commitment to our customers and our people. I’m very appreciative of Matt’s support during my transition to CEO and pleased he will remain with the company as a vital member of the Stewart Board."
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