Thistle Initiatives, the multi-award-winning compliance consultancy for financial services and fintech businesses, announces the expansion of its leadership team with the promotion of Harry Cotton to Chief Commercial Officer and four Partner transitions from the existing leadership team. The company also welcomes two new additions: Tom Dudley joins as Partner in the Investments practice and Sue Knight as Chief Operations and People Officer. This repositioning forms part of a strategic internal transformation, spurred on by the business’s increasing client base and market share.
Tom Dudley joins Thistle Initiatives having founded and grown wealth-focused consultancy business The Compliance Platform. With previous experience in Chief Risk Officer and Chief Compliance Officer roles at large regulated businesses, Tom brings a unique client-side perspective. Alongside Alex Paschalis, one of the four newly appointed Partners, they will ensure that Thistle Initiatives continues to provide the same level of high-quality, tailored services to clients as the rapid growth across its investments practice area continues.
Tom Dudley comments, “I’m thrilled to be joining Thistle Initiatives at such a pivotal time. There is clear opportunity to not only nurture and expand client relationships, but also broaden our service offering across the wealth sector. The capability in the company is astonishing, and together with our ambition, the future looks very bright.”
Sue Knight, joining as Chief Operations and People Officer, has over 25 years of experience in PE-backed professional services businesses. She has a proven track record in organisational development and a strong people focus, with experience in building leadership teams to manage growth and transformation.
Harry Cotton joined Thistle Group as Head of Client Services in 2024. As Chief Commercial Officer, Harry will focus on building long-lasting relationships and upholding the highest standards of delivery for Thistle Initiative’s clients.
Commenting on his promotion, Harry Cotton says: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as part of the Thistle Group so far. I’m delighted to join the Senior Leadership Team and help build on the success the teams have created. It’s such an exciting time for the Group and I’m looking forward to continuing to promote our passion for delivering excellent outcomes for our clients. Continuing to be viewed as a trusted advisor means we can grow with our clients and support them more broadly, working to address their pain points.”
The leadership team that are transitioning to Partners are Alex Paschalis, Matthew Williamson, Lorraine Mouat, and Jessica Cath. Each has been integral to the company’s success and growth across their respective practice areas – Investments, Credit & Mortgages, Payment Services, and Financial Crime.
Sophie Long, CEO, comments: “These talented individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to driving results for our clients. Their transition to Partner reflects their outstanding contributions to the firm’s growth and our belief in their ability to shape the future of Thistle Initiatives.
“As we continue to grow, we’re seizing the opportunity to enhance our internal operations, and Sue will be a key part of this in her role as Chief Operations and People Officer. Harry has excelled at the company since his appointment earlier this year and we are confident that he will continue to do so in his new role as Chief Commercial Officer. The Partners own the growth and development of new and existing sectors and services, and the addition of Tom brings unique client-side experience as well as relationships and knowledge that will be invaluable for supercharging our strategy execution.”
Under the leadership of Sophie Long, Thistle Initiatives has seen impressive results over the past two years – with revenue increasing by 40% from March 2022 to March 2024 (20% Annual CAGR) and headcount increasing by 58%. During this time, Thistle Initiatives has also substantially added to its service offering by adding prudential services, buy and sell side due diligence, risk management and a new fraud offering. In June this year, Thistle Initiatives was also named UK Compliance Consultancy Firm of the Year in the Global Advisory Experts Awards 2024 for the fourth year in a row.
