Willis GM Placement Services, Risk Services and Claims Maurice Gatto is to join JLT as GM Broking and Placement.

He will move mid-year, possibly as late as August, after “completing his commitments to Willis”.

Mr Gatto will be based in Melbourne and will report to Chairman Specialty and National Placement Bob Mann, who says the position was created especially for the new recruit.

Mr Mann told insuranceNEWS.com.au Mr Gatto’s “particular attributes are in market placement and client relationships. As his title indicates, he will be taking on a much wider responsibility than placements. He will also be providing services to other operating divisions of JLT.”

Although unable to discuss the role in detail, he says Mr Gatto will work closely with MD National Placement (Property) David Stanborough, MD National Placement (Casualty) Jeremy Rowsell and MD Structured Solutions Wayne Holcombe, plus the heads of JLT’s specialty, public sector, enterprise solutions, benefit solutions and business development divisions.

“Maurice is highly respected within the industry and is well known for his personality, energy and expertise that he will bring to the role,” Mr Mann said.

“From our perspective, we are well aware of his values and personal attributes and we know he will be the perfect cultural fit with the organisation.”

As reported in our Breaking News bulletin last week, Mr Gatto resigned from Willis in February 2012 to join Aon, where Mr Mann was then chief broking officer. He withdrew his resignation later that year after Mr Mann announced his decision to move from Aon to JLT.