OAMPS Australia has appointed ANZ Chief Risk Officer Mike Cutter as its new CEO.

He will take up the position early next year.

Before joining ANZ in April 2009 Mr Cutter was CEO of GE Money Australia and NZ for 14 years. Prior to that he was Head of Portfolio Management (Cards) at NAB and COO of Bank One.

One of his tasks at GE was managing relationships with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority during the remediation of the Hallmark Insurance business.

He also managed GE’s 5500 staff and 250 branches distributing insurance and financial services products.

Wesfarmers Insurance MD Robert Scott says Mr Cutter’s appointment will strengthen the OAMPS brand.

“Insurance broking is an important part of Wesfarmers Insurance’s growth strategy and we are pleased to attract a leader of his calibre to OAMPS,” he said.

“Mr Cutter’s track record as a CEO and his deep experience in sales and distribution will complement OAMPS’ management team and help lead the next phase of growth for the business.”

Wesfarmers Broking CEO Steve Lockwood told insuranceNEWS.com.au that while Mr Cutter has not previously worked in broking, he has extensive experience in sales and running large sales teams.

Describing Mr Cutter as “a real people person”, Mr Lockwood said his experience and strategic management skills “will be very valuable for OAMPS as we move forward”.