Underwriter Taps Industry Veteran to Head Agency Services Division

September 16, 2010

WFG National Title Insurance Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Williston Financial Group, has named industry veteran Joe Drum as an executive vice president. Drum will lead the company’s agent services program, and will be based in its Santa Barbara, Calif., office. WFG Title is currently licensed and operating in 33 states. The company is a full service provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for lender, commercial and residential transactions.

Drum has an extensive settlement services leadership background, having held executive positions focused on agent services with several of the industry’s largest title insurance companies during his 35 year career. He was most recently president of United General Title Insurance Co., where he oversaw all agency operations and strategic initiatives for several brands. Before that, he was an EVP with First American Title Insurance Co. and Fidelity National Title Insurance Co.

Drum states that the role of the agency services division will be to collaborate and communicate with independent title agents nationwide.

“WFG Title will serve as a resource for independent title agents,” Drum said. “We do not intend to compete, but rather, to co-exist with our partner agencies, and will strive to provide them with the resources they need to do what they do best.”

WFG President and CEO Patrick Stone is confident that Drum will champion the company’s focus on adapting to the customer’s needs.

“Joe Drum is one of the top agent-focused executives in the industry,” Stone said. “He is the epitome of leadership by example, and his network of strong relationships and legacy of respect will make him and his team an exemplary resource for our agents.”

Drum asserts that WFG Title will be driven by its “Three Cs” slogan (Communicate, Collaborate, Coexist) in working with independent title agencies. By minimizing corporate infrastructure, WFG will avoid operating a costly hierarchical organization, empowering regional agency managers to provide quick and effective responses to local agencies. Drum reiterates that WFG will take a collaborative approach to expediting the real estate transaction, empowering agents and industry professionals with information and technology.


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