The private equity firm has hired Leon Hughes, a former director at the sports nutrition company, to improve the online propositions of its portfolio companies.

Hughes, described by Piper as an "e-commerce heavyweight" will be tasked with overseeing the direct to consumer web offerings of portfolio companies including Pied a Terre, a small chain of premium shoe shops based in London, Rohan, an outdoor and travel clothing specialist, and luxury brand The Rug Company.