Mr. Bateman was an audit partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP until his retirement, capping a 37-year career as an auditor and business advisor for a large number of organizations across all major insurance fields. He gained extensive knowledge of the business and risk factors associated with the insurance industry during that time. He chairs Old Republic's Audit Committee, is designated an SEC 'financial expert,' and also serves on the Compensation and Executive Committees.