Arthur J Gallagher Australasia has appointed Andrew Godden, the MD of sister company Specialised Broking Associates (SBA), as its new CEO.

Mr Godden took over from acting CEO Peter Searson at the beginning of last week. He will retain the role of MD of SBA, with assistance from SBA Executive Chairman Bill Grierson.

A founding shareholder of Perth-based SBA from 2003, Mr Godden became MD in September 2008. Arthur J Gallagher took a 40% interest in SBA the following month.

Mr Godden has more than 20 years of broking and underwriting experience in Australia and the UK, and worked for NZI and General Accident Insurance before joining SBA.

He says the new appointment involves him sharing his time between Perth and Sydney, allowing him to honour family and work commitments.

“Operationally, SBA will continue as it is for the time being,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “The model that we have built up is client and staff-focused, which is working really well.

“I am going to take some time to get to know all the people and customers at Arthur J Gallagher in Sydney.”