Previously of UBS, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and, most recently, CA Chevreux, Sutton replaces Richard Ratner in the role of head of equities, with the veteran analyst (known in the City as ‘Ratty’) moving into the new role of vice chairman.

To chief executive Richard Feigen, Sutton’s arrival will add ‘considerable experience,’ not just to his new division but also to Seymour Pierce as a whole. ‘He brings with him extensive knowledge of global equity markets…and we believe Johnny, Richard, [head of sales] Tim Stokeld and [head of research] Jim McCafferty make a compelling combination,’ Feigen propounds.

Prior to the move, Sutton spent two years as head of UK equities at Chevreux.