Private Equity firm Palatine has appointed the former CEO of St Tropez, Michelle Feeney, to its Executive Advisory Board.

Feeney has enjoyed a long career in the beauty industry, working on high profile launches such as MAC and Tommy Hilfiger at Lauder before her high profile role at St Tropez. Following the tanning brand’s sale to PZ Cussons in 2010, Feeney joined the FMCG giant, and was responsible for setting up PZ Cussons Beauty in London, New York and Melbourne.

“We are delighted to have Michelle on board,” said Gary Tipper, Managing Partner at Palatine Private Equity. “Not only has she been involved in shaping some of the world’s biggest beauty brands, but she has been instrumental in developing exceptional management teams. Her expertise of growing highly successful branded businesses both in the UK and overseas will be invaluable to our advisory board.”

“Palatine is the type of business I wanted to get involved with when I stepped down from my role at PZ Cussons,” said Feeney. “The firm has an excellent track record of backing ambitious management teams. For me, joining a business that had a strong culture was important and I’m looking forward to working with the team to find more exciting investment opportunities.”

Palatine’s portfolio includes restaurant and bar brands The Alchemist and Gusto, financial advisory business Wren Sterling and healthcare business Vernacare. With Feeney on board, could a cosmetics brand be the next?