Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG) announced a leadership transition in its US wholesale brokerage business.

After an impressive career, Chairman of Risk Placement Services, Inc. (RPS) David E. (Dave) McGurn, Jr. has decided to step away from his daily responsibilities. He will be taking on a new role with Gallagher as a special advisor, providing strategic guidance to the company’s growing wholesale and retail operations.

In his place, Joel D. Cavaness, current President of RPS, will join the Gallagher Executive Management Committee reporting directly to J. Patrick (Pat) Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Cavaness will continue to provide day-to-day leadership for the business unit.

"Since Dave joined Gallagher in 1978 as an account executive, he has significantly contributed to our company’s growth. I am thankful for Dave’s vision, leadership and years of service, and delighted that he will continue to share his invaluable perspectives with our company as a special advisor leveraging his substantial expertise.

"During the past two decades, Dave has been on the front lines of our company’s efforts to build a world-class wholesale brokerage operation as one of the co-founders of Risk Placement Services with Joel Cavaness. Since its inception in 1997, RPS has grown to become a leading specialty insurance wholesaler and one of the largest Managing General Agents/Underwriting Managers in the United States," said Pat Gallagher.

Gallagher added, "Dave’s strong partnership with Joel over the past two decades ensures solid continuity for RPS. Joel is a respected business leader who has spent significant time in the trenches and knows what’s needed to support our expanding business interests and relationships. His commitment to business and people development and high professional standards will continue to serve Gallagher’s customers and partners well for years to come."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has operations in 31 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.