Kudos to my team – my work is done!

After almost eight years at ED&F Man Capital Markets, today is my last day.  

I joined the Firm in 2015 as Global Head of Financial Futures & Options, moving to Commercial Director in 2019, and in September 2020 had the honour of stepping up to Chief Executive for UK/EMEA, ED&F Man Capital Markets.  

The last two years have been an extraordinary period to take over leading a team of people and the turnaround of the business.

It was September 2020 and the rule of six had just been introduced for non-essential gatherings as the pandemic took hold in earnest again. Later that month, restrictions tightened further and a 10pm hospitality curfew was instigated, and we were asked to work from home once again, self-isolating after a positive test. On 5 November, it was time for the brutal second lockdown to avoid what Boris Johnson referred to as “a medical disaster”, only meeting other households when absolutely necessary. Then came the tiers in December and, ready for Christmas, London went into Tier 4 on 21 December. With the New Year came the third national lockdown…

Thanks to the remarkable vaccine – a product of the magic that can happen when everyone has their eye on the prize and works together as one team with one goal to achieve the very best outcome possible – the vaccine rollout led to what was dubbed ‘Freedom Day’ on 19 July 2021 and the decision that we would ‘live with’ Covid.

Despite the fact that it was a pretty torrid time for us all, it was my absolute pleasure to lead this team of warriors through this surreal period. For much of the period my team and I were apart and building relationships over the screen; but it was the teamwork that delivered our own turnaround and a result we can all be proud of today.  

So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been part of my life at the Firm. To each and every one of you, I want to say the most sincere and immense ‘thank you’ for the commitment you have shown. You didn’t take your foot off the pedal for a moment in ensuring you delivered the very best service for our clients during this period, at the same time as helping manage the smooth transition of everything to Marex – your efforts have been heroic.

A new era for the firm has begun and my work at ED&F Man Capital Markets is done. And this time, my timing has been impeccable.  

Next Monday, it won’t be my alarm clock that will kick off my day it will be the whistle for England’s opening game against Iran in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  

Just as great resilience and teamwork helped turnaround the fortunes of ED&F Man Capital Markets, I have to hope that the England team will show the same determination and fervour under Gareth Southgate’s exceptional leadership.

I very much look forward to keeping in touch with the great friends and partners I have made during this chapter of my career – do stay in touch but forgive me if I am a little slower responding until the final whistle on 18 December!