Private equity tycoon John Lovering has joined the board of outdoor chain Go Outdoors as chairman.

Lovering, who has also held been chairman at Peacocks, Debenhams, somerfield“>Somerfield and homebase“>Homebase in the past, joined as the retailer reported sales growth of 83% in the last year.

Go Outdoors, which has a turnover of £75m, now has 25 stores and intends to significantly grow its portfolio in the coming years.

Lovering said: “I’m very pleased to be involved in Go Outdoors. It is a rapidly growing business in a dynamic sector of the retail market which has demonstrated resilience through the recession.  I have been impressed by the management and look forward to working with them as we capitalise on the exciting opportunities available in the sector.” 

The previous chairman at Go Outdoors, Paul Caplan, remains the majority investor in the business and will stay on the on the board as president.