First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a leading global provider of title insurance and settlement services for real estate transactions, announced today that Mark E. Seaton has been named chief financial officer.<br />Seaton, who began his career with First American in 2006 and until his appointment served as senior vice president of finance, will replace current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Max O. Valdes, who is retiring after 25 years with the company. Valdes will remain with the company until March 2014 to assist with the transition.  <br />During his tenure with First American, Seaton’s roles have included management of the company’s financial planning, treasury, investments and investor relations activities. In addition, he has been a driving influence on the company’s strategic planning and margin improvement initiatives.<br />"Mark’s proven financial management and strategic planning skills make him an ideal choice to fill the chief financial officer role," said Dennis Gilmore, chief executive officer of First American Financial Corporation. "These skills, together with the depth of his knowledge about our company and our industry, have earned him the confidence of our employees, our board of directors and our investors."  <br />Prior to joining First American, Seaton worked in private equity and in the investment banking industry.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.<br />Valdes joined First American in 1988 and filled a variety of financial management roles prior to being named CFO of First American Financial Corporation in 2010. "Max’s contribution to our company over the last 25 years will have a lasting impact," Gilmore noted.  "As we streamlined our business and positioned it for growth over the last several years, his counsel and leadership proved invaluable."