Well-known broker Maurice Gatto, who resigned from Willis in February to move to Aon, has decided to remain at Willis in Melbourne.

Mr Gatto was due to join Aon in Sydney this month as National Manager Property Broking, after six months’ “gardening leave”.

Willis Australasia CEO Pieter Lindhout, who said in February that the departure of Mr Gatto “will be a great loss”, said he is “delighted to welcome him back to the Willis team”.

Mr Gatto’s decision to stick with Willis in his old role as MD Placements caps off a difficult period for Aon, which earlier this month lost Chief Broking Officer Bob Mann and three other senior managers, who will all move to JLT early next year.

One of those managers was Placement Director David Stanborough, who Mr Gatto would have reported to.

In June four other senior Aon executives resigned simultaneously to move to Willis.

Mr Lindhout says in a note to staff that “retaining someone of Maurice’s calibre and reputation is key to our growth strategy”.

“Maurice was central to establishing Willis’ reputation and strong position in the market today. It will be great to have him back on board to drive major new business and placement opportunities.”

Former Willis Head of Specialisms Chris Nelson, who in June was appointed as Mr Gatto’s replacement at Willis, will take on “an expanded role with responsibility to develop and implement Willis’ specialisms strategy”, Mr Lindhout said.

More in our bulletin on Monday.