Stephen Webster

As Chief Executive, Stephen embodies the energy and passion of our team, leading with an entrepreneurial flair and a sincere commitment to our staff, clients and stakeholders. Stephen has more than 25 years’ experience as an investment management professional and has a detailed knowledge of model portfolio methodology, private equity and corporate pension legislation.

Something you didn’t know about Stephen:

Stephen is passionate about the Gaelic culture and language which is perhaps why he owns so many tweed suits and socks. When Stephen is not working he can usually be found on the Island of Barra in the Western Isles helping with the family croft.

Matt Strachan

Matt has over 30 years’ industry experience, and as head of our investment management function has overall responsibility for managing our range of MPS portfolios and AIM IHT Portfolio Service.  His long-term investment discipline generated strong performance when he managed the Alliance Trust Investments North America Equity Fund, receiving a Morningstar/OBSR Bronze award within one year of fund launch.  Matt’s considerable international investment experience saw him successfully selling out of Japan at the top of the market (1989/90), a bold move made with analytical and measured judgement.

Something you didn’t know about Matt:

Matt was scouted for a 1980s Jackie magazine photoshoot. He chose not to pursue a modelling career, and, luckily for us, instead focused on his financial services career.

‘Excellence is not a single act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.’

– Aristotle

Chris Forde

Andrew McLean

Andrew joined Thorntons Investments in May 2021 and is a Chartered Wealth Manager and fellow of the CISI. Prior to joining Thorntons, he spent two years with 7IM, managing portfolios for individuals, trusts and charities. His first role was with Rossie House Investment Management, a boutique wealth manager in Edinburgh & Perthshire, joining as a graduate and staying for over 8 years.

‘Something you didn’t know’…

Andrew has connections with Dundee, having formerly played his rugby with Dundee High FPs. With his rugby days behind him, he’s now content walking the dog or going for a long run.

David Holmes

David has over thirty years’ industry experience in a variety of customer service, technical and business development roles. He joined Thorntons Investments in 2016 and as Head of Business Development is responsible for the marketing and distribution of Thorntons Investments AIM IHT Portfolio Service and MPS portfolios to Intermediaries and Wealth Managers, through a number of leading third-party platforms.

Something you didn’t know about David:

Away from work David is a keen musician, and performs as ‘Michael Rutherford’ in leading UK tribute band, Genesisn’t.

Matthew Brown

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, and with coveted Chartered Wealth Manager status, Matthew was a welcome addition to our team in 2016. With over 15 years of investment experience, working in both large and small organisations, most recently at Brewin Dolphin, Matthew manages portfolios for individuals, trusts and charities. Matthew enjoys working with clients to provide them with the best service throughout the different stages of their lifetime and as their goals and objectives change.

Something you didn’t know about Matthew:

At age 15, Matthew was a World Champion bagpiper as part of a Juvenile Pipeband.

Mantra: Do it today, life’s too short.

Leigh Hudson

Leigh looks after the wellbeing of our team. A Yorkshire lass with over 20 years’ experience as an HR specialist, Leigh chose to move from a large PLC to join our team – enticed by our entrepreneurial spirit and ambition.  Leigh deals with all our HR functions, from recruitment and resourcing to policy development and employee relations. Her ongoing work with personal development and employee relations contributes to a business culture we are proud to be part of.

Something you didn’t know about Leigh:

Leigh left the bright lights of London for rural Perthshire. She has four pet donkeys and an ongoing house restoration.

Mantra – Always treat others how you would expect to be treated

Gail Craig

Gail joined Thorntons in 2019. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, Gail has over 25 years investment management experience. She spent 9 years at Brown Shipley managing portfolios for individual clients, trusts and charities, having previously worked with Lindsays.

Something you didn’t know about Gail:

Gail used to be a keen hill walker. Her most ambitious challenge was to trek the Inca Trail to the iconic Machu Picchu. These days she does well to tick another Munro off her list.

Tim Ritchie

With over 25 years of accountancy experience, Tim has worked in private practice and a variety of industries ranging from a chain of night clubs to a country estate.  Tim joined Thorntons Investments in 2014, and plays a key role in our strategic growth plans. The highlight of Tim’s day is being part of a great team – his dry humour helps to make numbers fun!

Something you didn’t know about Tim:

Tim has been learning to play the saxophone for the last ten years.

Tim Ritchie

With over 25 years of accountancy experience, Tim has worked in private practice and a variety of industries ranging from a chain of night clubs to a country estate.  Tim joined Thorntons Investments in 2014, and plays a key role in our strategic growth plans. The highlight of Tim’s day is being part of a great team – his dry humour helps to make numbers fun!

Something you didn’t know about Tim:

Tim has been learning to play the saxophone for the last ten years.

Shirley Robertson

Shirley’s career in Financial Services spans 30 years, starting at Gateway Building Society in a customer services role and moving on to Bradford & Bingley where she gained her professional qualifications, undertaking the role of Senior Financial Planning Adviser.   Eager to further her career, she was delighted to be selected as the first Branch Manager of a new local branch of Skipton Building Society who were expanding their network of branches in Scotland. Shirley has spent most of her career in a client facing role, however, in more recent years, she has been using that experience and applying it to her current role as Compliance Manager.  Regulation is fast moving and ever changing; the role of the Compliance Team in Thorntons Investments is to keep abreast of those changes and ensure we look after our valuable client relationships.

Something you didn’t know about Shirley:

Shirley was a member of the Territorial Army Royal Signals Regiment and was recognised nationally with an outstanding recruit award after completing military training – never afraid to get her hands dirty.

Mantra: little things can have a big impact.

Sarah Peter-Smith

Sarah joined the team in August 2015 and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. 

Sarah manages portfolios for individuals, trusts and charities and enjoys interacting with clients to ensure the best outcomes for them, in line with their goals and objectives.

Nick Sheppard

Nick’s long career in financial services saw him spend many years as an account manager with Standard Life in Southampton followed by business development roles with Brewin Dolphin and Close Brothers. Much of his time has been spent working with intermediaries and wealth managers across London and the South Coast, using his extensive knowledge and experience to offer investment solutions and support.

He has particular expertise in the use of Business Relief qualifying AIM investment for IHT planning, and works to help and support adviser firms in this field.

Something you didn’t know about Nick

Nick raced single seater racing cars for several years and competed at the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch on several occasions. He has now decided to slow down having recently gained his solo Skydiving A licence.  

Ciaran Garvey

Ciaran joined Thorntons Investments in 2011 and is based in our Edinburgh office. He is part of our investment management team focusing on the selection of AIM listed companies for our AIM IHT proposition.  Ciaran is a Chartered Fellow of the CISI, and in 2013 he was the top Scottish performer in the CISI Masters exam.

Something you didn’t know about Ciaran:

Ciaran is a keen sports fan.

Colin Robertson

Colin has over 40 years experience in the investment profession, having managed private client, trust and charity portfolios over that time. He  worked with various houses including  Aberdeen, Charteris, Cornelian and Tilneys. In the past, he was also fully qualified to advise private clients on Option and Futures trading.

Something you didnt know about Colin:

In his teens he had the ambition to become a  golf professional however that was “laid to rest” at University for various reasons. He now plays off 28 and still enjoys the game.

Ashleigh Rowan

Ashleigh joined our team in 2021. Leaving school in 2016, Ashleigh went on to study Accounting and Finance at Abertay University whilst working in a small accountancy firm in Dundee. It was whilst studying Ashleigh realised she had a much greater interest in the financial aspect of her degree, and went on to study a Masters in Finance at the University of Dundee, graduating in 2021. Ashleigh is keen to expand her knowledge in finance, and is looking to undertake her CISI professional qualifications over the next few years.

Something you didn’t know about Ashleigh:

Ashleigh is very keen on  the outdoors and in her spare time her hobbies range from hillwalking to waterskiing.

Cara Hawes

Cara joined Thorntons Investments in March 2023 with an extensive background in customer service and administration. Cara is growing her knowledge in financial services each day, and plans to begin her CISI professional studies in the near future.

Something you didn’t know about Cara –

In her spare time, Cara enjoys going to the gym, solo walks & listening to podcasts. Spending time with family & friends is also a big factor in Cara’s life.

Catherine Jackson

Catherine joined us in 2011 and among her many key responsibilities are the monitoring of our model portfolios and their underlying holdings, and ensuring the smooth running of our models on all platforms.  Her knowledge of third-party platforms and their operation is put to good effect in the support we provide advisers using our services. 

Something you didn’t know about Catherine:

With a degree in Scots Law and another in Mathematical Sciences, she is a fantastically multi-dimensional asset to our team.

Ed Rosengarten