Following an investment into the Thistle Group by Copper Street Capital in October 2022, the Thistle Group today announces the appointment of Sophie Long as its new Group CEO.
Sophie will replace James Dingwall, Founder of the Thistle Group, who will continue to focus on business growth for all of the Thistle Group companies, as well as providing specialist M&A advice, regulatory advice, particularly in the areas of FCA supervision & enforcement actions. James remains a significant shareholder in the Thistle Group.
Sophie who was previously Group Managing Director of the Thistle Group focused on managing the growth of client relationships for the group of businesses since 2015. As Group Managing Director, Sophie also led on operations and provided strategic guidance across all areas of the businesses. Sophie has worked alongside James for the past eight years and will continue the group’s growth and customer-focused approach as CEO.
Thistle Group's succession plan has been in place for several years, and Sophie has already been fulfilling the role and responsibilities of Group CEO for the past twelve months, meaning there will be no changes to the day-to-day operations of the Group or any impact on clients.
Thistle Initiatives, part of the Thistle Group, was founded in 2012 and has since become a multi-award-winning regulatory consultancy providing expert regulatory advice and support in the financial services sector on the management of strategic and ongoing projects across all regulatory areas. The London-headquartered business provides compliance advice and support services relating to FCA regulation, PRA requirements, and other key legislation to a vast and varied client base of UK and international financial services businesses operating within the UK market.
James Dingwall, Founder & Director of the Thistle Group said: “With the company having achieved tremendous success and rapid growth over the past decade, I believe that the time has come to make a change and provide others with the chance to take on greater responsibilities. Sophie has worked alongside me as Group Managing Director for the past eight years, and I have complete confidence in her, in her new role as Group CEO, as well as the senior management team to drive the company towards even greater heights. Sophie has been a close collaborator of mine since she joined the company, and I am thrilled to hand over the reins to her. As she has already taken on many of the CEO's duties over the past year, this transition will be smooth. Sophie has been my top pick for this role, and I have complete faith in her capabilities.”
Sophie Long, CEO of the Thistle Group, said: “I am honoured and excited to have been appointed as the new CEO of the Thistle Group. I look forward to leading this great organisation and driving our continued success in the years to come. As the new CEO, I am grateful to take over from my predecessor, James Dingwall, whom I have learned so much from. I am excited to build upon his successes and bring my own unique perspective to lead the company forward.”
For more information, please call 0207 436 0630 or email info@thistleinitiatives.co.uk.
Notes to Editors
Sophie Long will be appointed CEO on 3 April 2023.
James Dingwall will step down as CEO on 3 April 2023 and will remain a Director.