Effective November 1, Kurt Blass, Senior Vice President of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), appointed Executive Vice President and joined the Company's Executive Leadership Team. As CFO, Kurt will lead the Corporate Finance Department with overall responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, risk management and governance.
Kurt succeeds Chris G. Lieser, Executive Vice President of Old Republic National Title Insurance Company and CFO, who has transitioned to an advisory role supporting Kurt and Corporate Finance until his retirement later next year. Chris also continues serving as a member of the Company's Executive Leadership Team, which he has been part of since 2015.
In making the announcement, President & CEO Carolyn Monroe said, "We greatly appreciate Chris's ongoing commitment to the Company, as well as his leadership as CFO since 2014. He is an integral part of the Old Republic family, having dedicated 40 years of loyal service and positive attitude to the organization."
Kurt joined Old Republic Title in 2019 as Controller for its Eastern Title Division and also assisted the executive team by leading a variety of special financial projects and initiatives. He was appointed Senior Vice President and promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer in April 2023.
Chris Lieser adds, "Kurt has expansive knowledge of insurance accounting and finance, and operational expertise garnered through his 30-plus-year career in various leadership roles in the title insurance, mortgage, and property and casualty insurance industries." Lieser continues, "He has passion for our industry, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to our Company's strategic direction and growth that will all serve him well as Old Republic Title's CFO."