Well known broking industry figure and Head of Placement Services at Willis, Maurice Gatto, has resigned from the company and is understood to be heading to rival global broker Aon.

When contacted by insuranceNEWS.com.au, Aon declined to confirm the appointment, with a spokesman saying it was “inappropriate to speculate on any people matters” until the completion of an “extensive consultation process with our people as part of Aon Australia’s business review project”.

Mr Gatto’s departure from Willis was announced last week, with Willis Australasia CEO Pieter Lindhout telling insuranceNEWS.com.au that Mr Gatto’s “broking experience and market nous will be a great loss to Willis”.

“I would like to thank Maurice for 15 years of exemplary service,” Mr Lindhout said.

Commenting on plans for Mr Gatto’s replacement, Mr Lindhout added: “This is a priority position for Willis Australasia, a key executive role. We will be working very hard to ensure we find a person of the right calibre to replace Maurice.” 

In the interim, Willis Australasia Head of Global Specialisms, Christopher Nelson, will take on the role of Acting MD Placement Services.