Peter Smitham, part of the founding team of Permira 30 years ago and one of the private equity firm’s first managing partners, has called time on his involvement with the group.

The industry veteran, who spent 21 years in the technology sector before joining Schroder Ventures at its launch in 1985, went on to become managing partner between 1994 and 1998 and was responsible for integrating its UK and European operations from 1995 to 2000.