Piper Jaffray hired Scott J.R. Smith as a managing director in its investment banking financial sponsor coverage group. He will be based in Charlotte, NC.

Smith was previously focused on private equity relationships at Lazard, where he opened the Charlotte office for its middle market advisory group in 2008. He began his career at Bowles Hollowell Conner as an M&A banker and has more than 25 years of experience advising public and privately held companies on M&A, financing and strategic advisory assignments.

“The private equity community is a vital client base for our investment banking business, and the addition of Scott onto our financial sponsor coverage team reflects our ongoing commitment to serve these clients and strengthen our platform,” said Scott LaRue, global co-head of Piper Jaffray investment banking and capital markets.

“Scott is one of the most experienced bankers in the middle market with very strong client relationships. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to grow our sponsor business,” said Larry Zimmerman, head of Piper Jaffray financial sponsor coverage.