Nigel Spry, managing director and head of Africa trade and structured finance (TSF) origination at Cargill, has announced he will take early retirement in February.

56-year-old Spry has worked in the financial sector for 35 years, 20 years of which were spent with Cargill in Singapore, the US and UK.

For the past four years he managed the development of the company’s TSF Africa origination and prior to that oversaw its global distribution and bank relationships.

The origination management role for Africa will later this year be taken on by Aldo Cvintal, who is based in Cargill’s Geneva office.

Cargill has described Spry’s departure as the “end of an era” and says it appreciates the sound stewardship from Spry of many leadership positions.

Spry tells GTR that he remains a strong supporter of Cargill’s global TSF business and confirms the company’s ongoing commitment to its partners in Africa after his departure.

“I appreciate the many good friends and customers I have met around the world over the years. I welcome any opportunity to stay in contact on LinkedIn,” he says.