NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Chicago Title National Commercial Services California, a member of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies (
NYSEFNF), the nation's largest group of title companies and title insurance underwriters, announced today the launch of its new nationwide Chicago Title Hospitality Group led by hotel industry veteran Steven L. Senft as Vice President, National Sales. Senft's unique and extensive hospitality experience spans over 24 years and includes hotel ownership, management and operations, financial analysis, sourcing equity, strategic planning, and hotel acquisitions and dispositions. During his career, Senft has been involved in the sale, development, management, advisory and financing of more than $15 billion in hotel assets representing over 1,000 hotels. "We are excited that Steven Senft will be heading Chicago Title's new national Hospitality Group," said Ryan Huntsman, Vice President, National Sales at Chicago Title NCS California. "Although Chicago Title has been very active in the hotel sector for two decades, we now have an experienced leader that thoroughly understands all the complexities of a hotel transaction from every perspective -- a buyer and seller, operations, asset manager, lender, broker and more. He has sat in the client's seat and speaks their language. We look forward to growing our national footprint in the hotel sector under Steven’s leadership." "Chicago Title's commitment to the hospitality sector is a game-changer," said Senft. "No other title company has a committed national platform that solely serves hospitality, and clients have a single point of contact, whether it is one property or a complex multi-state transaction." Senft continues, "I have known Ryan Huntsman for more than 15 years and, throughout my career, I have worked with Ryan and his Chicago Title team on over 100 transactions valued at more than $750 million. I admire his work ethic and how he and his team are exceptionally client-focused. They really take care of their customers, which is why I knew this opportunity was a good fit for both of us. "Hospitality is a very specialized asset class, and to have someone who has been there at the closing table as a past hotel owner and broker of transactions nationwide, and knows the importance of title and escrow and what is needed to not only provide a successful transaction across the board, but for clients to be secure with the title insurance down the road, is unprecedented," Senft said. "I am thrilled to be able to put my experience and relationships to work to help Chicago Title clients and grow its national Hospitality Group platform." Senft began his career in the hospitality industry as a Sales Manager for Hyatt Hotels and then Hilton Hotels. Prior to joining Chicago Title, Senft served as Vice President at Dividend Finance, where he assisted commercial real estate owners in harnessing the power of PACE financing across all commercial asset classes with a focus on hospitality nationwide. Previously, Senft was a Vice President, Senior Sales Executive with Ten-X Commercial (a CoStar Group company), the world's largest technology platform for buying and selling commercial assets. Before joining Ten-X, Senft was a Principal of CRU Real Estate Group, a full-service real estate company with an emphasis on hotel ownership, hotel asset and property management, commercial brokerage and investments. During his tenure at CRU Real Estate Group, Senft managed a total of 17 hotel properties representing approximately 2,600 keys. Senft earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the Collins College of Hospitality Management. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Additionally, he earned his Certification in Real Estate, Development and Hotel Investment from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Senft is a member of the Board of Advisors at the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and was the founding President of The Collins Hospitality Society, the alumni association at Collins College of Hospitality Management. He is also a lifetime member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and an active member of the California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA). Senft will be based in Chicago Title's Newport Beach, California office. About Chicago Title Insurance Company
