Stewart Morris Jr. Image HOUSTON (June 8, 2012) – Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE-STC) is pleased to announce the appointment of vice chairman Stewart Morris Jr. to the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Board of Governors. The Association’s Board of Governors is responsible for creating policy, managing the financial health and ensuring the overall welfare of the Association.

“Stewart has brought strong leadership to both our company and the title industry as a whole throughout his nearly 40-year career,” said Matt Morris, CEO of Stewart Information Services Corporation. “His experience and knowledge will prove valuable to ALTA as he takes on this leadership role. We look forward to the meaningful contributions he will make on the Board of Governors as they address issues impacting our industry.”

“Working with ALTA in this capacity is both an honor and a new road for me,” said Stewart Morris Jr. “The entire real estate services industry must adapt to new regulations, changing disclosure forms, mortgage finance uncertainty and technology advancements. As an industry, we have a unique position to connect with all parties in the real estate transaction.”

Morris continues, “We have a duty to improve processes, enhance transparency and work with the various regulatory agencies to support a strong real estate market. It’s my quest as an ALTA board member to help our industry prosper through good communication and working relationship with regulatory agencies and business partners in the real estate transaction to improve the efficiency  and delivery of a finer customer experience.”

ALTA, founded in 1907, represents more than 4,000 title insurance companies and agencies, independent abstracters, title searchers and attorneys who aim to protect property owners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles.

Morris Jr. previously served as president and co-CEO of Stewart Information Services Corp. and president of Stewart Title Company, which he joined in 1973. Morris Jr. was elected vice president of Stewart Title in 1974, and was named president of Stewart Title and chairman of Stewart Title Guaranty Company in 1991.

Morris Jr. graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University in 1971 and received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Texas in 1973.

*Photo: Business Wire