Stewart Title announced Kelly Rickenbach has been promoted to chief claims counsel, building on the growth of Stewart’s Claims and Salvage Department.
In her new role, Rickenbach will manage and lead the company’s team of experts in claim resolution while focusing on enhanced technology use and increasing efficiency for Stewart’s partners and network of title agents.
“Stewart is making targeted investments to build a world-class claims department, and Kelly’s promotion to chief claims counsel is key to leading this transformation and driving business growth,” said Elizabeth Giddens, chief legal officer. “Kelly’s strong leadership, collaborative approach to claim resolution and partnership with other business lines have postured her well for this role, and we look forward to her leadership.”
Since joining Stewart, Rickenbach has taken on roles of increased responsibility over the years as senior claims counsel, national claims counsel and most recently, associate chief claims counsel, where she managed the western claims group for nearly five years. During this time, she helped grow and develop the claims team in the West while improving communications and engagement with Stewart’s internal and external customers.
“I am thrilled for this new opportunity and committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations as we enter an exciting new era for Stewart’s claims department,” Rickenbach said. “As we look forward, my focus remains on integrating the latest technology to help bolster our workflow and productivity in addition to growing and strengthening partnerships internally and with our customers. We have made significant improvements and advancements in our systems and reporting parameters that will not only elevate the service standards for the claims team but also benefit Stewart and our customers for many years to come.”
Prior to joining Stewart, Rickenbach worked in private practice and is a member of the American Bar Association and former CHIEF alumnus and regularly gives presentations on claim matters throughout the country.
She earned a master of laws degree from the University of Washington and a juris doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law.