CEO, FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL
WHY: Promoted from president to the top spot of the Santa Ana title insurance giant in February, replacing Dennis Gilmore, who is now chairman of the board of directors. Country’s second largest title insurer, among OC’s oldest companies.
IN THE NEWS: Acquired Phoenix-based Mother Lode Holding Co. to expand in 11 states. Marked the fifth acquisition for the firm over the past two years.
NOTABLE: Joined firm in 1999; named executive vice president in 2010 after First American separated from what’s now CoreLogic.
