Stewart Hires Chief Underwriting Counsel for Direct Operations

September 17, 2024

Stewart Title named Heather Bland as senior vice president and chief underwriting counsel for direct operations. In this role, Bland will work in conjunction with the legal department and leadership of direct operations to develop underwriting strategy and grow the company’s commercial capabilities in direct operations.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the title insurance industry, including underwriting and claims/litigation administration, we couldn’t be more excited to have Heather join our team as we look to make real headwind in certain commercial markets,” said Ryan Swed, head of U.S. direct operations. “Her experience and expertise on underwriting across the country gives her a great foundation for the role we have created and our teams across the U.S.”

Prior to joining Stewart, Bland served as vice president and senior national counsel for Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.’s national commercial services office in Chicago. She focused on the underwriting of title insurance policy and endorsement coverages for complex single and multi-site commercial real estate transactions for properties located throughout the United States.

“The title industry faces a unique opportunity as we work on developing the next generation of underwriters. Stewart is already a respected industry leader in underwriting, and adding Heather to our team only solidifies our capabilities,” said Wilhelmina Kightlinger, chief underwriting counsel for National Commercial Services (NCS) and deputy chief underwriting counsel for the Stewart Title Family of Companies. “Together we can lead the charge on recruiting and training leading talent in Stewart underwriting as our services expand in key markets.”

Bland added, “Stewart has seen real growth over the past few years and the market has taken notice. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with Ryan, Willie and the entire Stewart team as we build up what is already a best-in-class underwriting offering.”


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