Fashion etailer Boohoo.com is set to hire former Asos non-executive director Peter Williams as its chairman as it finalises plans for its £500m float.

Williams, who stood down from Asos last year after eight years in the post, is likely to be appointed as early as this week when Boohoo.com is expected to unveil its £500m IPO.

Boohoo.com, which is owned by Manchester-based entrepreneur Mahmud Kamani and Carol Kane, is hoping to emulate Asos’ success.

Boohoo.com’s sales more than doubled to £67.3m last year with pre-tax profits hitting £3.2m.

The appointment of Williams, a veteran who was chief executive of Selfridges and chairman of JJB Sports, is expected to add credibility to the business as it attempts to woo City investors.

Boohoo.com is being advised by Zeus Capita and preliminary meetings with institutions are understood to be taking place this week.