Shipbroker Simpson Spence Young (SSY) has lost a partner and key sale-and-purchase broker with the departure of executive director Dominic Parker.

Parker has confirmed his exit from the London-headquartered firm.

“We have come to a mutual agreement regarding my departure from SSY," he told TradeWinds. "I am now on 12 month’s leave. I would like to thank SSY for 21 memorable years and wish them the best for 2021 and beyond.”

SSY said Parker, who the company said headed S&P for its London team, will be “leaving the business with immediate effect”.

The outfit has already removed Parker’s details from its global directory.

“We remain committed to our S&P activities and our global team will continue to support our diverse client base," SSY said. "We continue to actively seek experienced brokers to join us to support our continued growth.

“We would like to wish Dominic all the best for his future endeavours.”

Neither SSY nor Parker responded to questions about the reasons for his sudden departure.

The brokerage did not indicate who will replace him.

Parker joined SSY in 2000 as a trainee, moving on to become an S&P broker. In 2006, he was made a director while working for the shop in London.

Staying with SSY, he moved up to senior director level a year later.

In 2017, London-based Parker shifted up another gear to become an executive director and head of the S&P department in London. He was also a partner at SSY.