AmTrust Title Insurance Co. has hired two industry veterans to lead the insurer’s expansion into Texas, where it plans to initially establish offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston, the company announced. Randy Elkins was named AmTrust’s managing director/counsel-Texas and E.D. (“Ed”) Lester was named the company’s vice president-Texas. “We are very excited to welcome Randy and Ed aboard to expand AmTrust’s footprint in the great State of Texas, a crucial region for us in the Southwest,” AmTrust Senior Executive Vice President Steven Napolitano said in a press release. “Both are extremely talented, creative, well-known and respected leaders in the industry with many years of experience. We are confident, given their respective track records, connections and achievements, that Randy and Ed will heighten awareness of our brand locally throughout the region,” Napolitano added. In his new role, Elkins is tasked with establishing offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin, and overseeing AmTrust’s growth throughout Texas. He has 40 years of experience in banking, legal, real estate and entrepreneurial endeavors. He previously held several positions at Stewart Title, including senior vice president, counsel & division manager at Stewart Title Co. and vice president at Stewart Title Guaranty Co. As vice president-Texas, Lester’s primary responsibilities will be establishing AmTrust’s agency network and supporting client relations and business development efforts for direct operations. Prior to joining AmTrust, Lester retired after 34 years at Stewart Title Co. There, he served as group senior vice president overseeing the company’s title operations in South Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. He also served as chairman/CEO of Stewart Title of Houston.