Andrew Godden has been made CEO of US broker Arthur J Gallagher’s broking operations in Australia, including Gallagher Australia and the recently acquired OAMPS.

Current OAMPS CEO Mike Cutter will step down at the end of this month.

Mr Godden, who was previously CEO of Arthur J Gallagher Australasia, will relocate from Perth to Sydney.

Arthur J Gallagher bought OAMPS and New Zealand broker Crombie Lockwood from Wesfarmers as part of a $1.01 billion deal last month.

Steve Lockwood, formerly Wesfarmers’ insurance broking executive chairman, will lead the integration of the 60-branch trans-Tasman operation.

One of his first decisions was to locate its headquarters in Sydney.

In an internal memo seen by insuranceNEWS.com.au, Mr Lockwood says Melbourne, Auckland and Sydney were considered as alternatives for a head office for the united operation, but “we determined that Sydney would provide the best location. Sydney allows us to retain historical skilled personnel and importantly puts us closer to the head office of many of our insurer partners.”

The memo says Melbourne-based Mr Cutter will leave because family commitments prevent him from moving to Sydney.

Mr Lockwood says it is his “firm intention” that OAMPS’ national support centre will continue to operate from its East Melbourne site.