Tim Jones is not an orthodox executive in his appearance, spurning the daily ritual of shaving, while sporting a short David Beckham-style ponytail.

"Why are you wearing a tie?" he asked when TradeWinds arrived suitably dressed at shipbroker Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS)'s headquarters in one of the most exclusive areas of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine.

Jones, 62, has stepped down as the brokerage group’s chief executive.