Steadfast MD and CEO Robert Kelly is back at work following an external investigation into a workplace complaint against him, and the timescale for his planned retirement has not altered.

As reported in a Breaking News update, Steadfast last night told the Australian Securities Exchange the probe had “concluded on a confidential basis” and Mr Kelly was returning to his role.

He had chosen to stand aside on October 30, with CEO of Australasian broking Tim Mathieson taking over temporarily. The following day Steadfast shares dropped almost 10%, but analysts believe this was partly due to revised premium rate expectations announced at the annual general meeting.

Mr Kelly told insuranceNEWS.com.au today he is “pleased to be back”.

“When you are running a large business and someone working for you has a certain view, you have an obligation to stand aside, and I opted to do that,” he said.

“I didn’t expect the sharemarket to react as it did, but I’m pleased that due process has taken place and the board has invited me back to run the company.”

Mr Kelly says there are no changes to his plan to leave the CEO position at the end of next year, but he has offered to continue beyond that in an advisory role.

“I have told the board I remain fully committed to running Steadfast and this is possible because of the terrific people I have around me,” he said.