Thornton Financial Limited was founded in June 2024 by Vice Admiral Bob Cooling, CB, Royal Navy (Rtd). Following a 34-year career in the RN, including command of the Portsmouth based aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, his career culminated in the role of Chief Operating Officer for NATO’s Supreme Allied Command in the United States. In recognition of his long and distinguished service to the nation he was honoured with a CB (Companion of the Order of the Bath) in 2011. 

Bob transitioned into the commercial sector and served as a non-executive director for one of the UK’s largest insurance outsourcing providers, which included an advised Life Insurance division.

Bob became familiar with the advised sales process and felt that greater transparency and a more client-centric service could significantly improve individuals’ confidence in the process while leading to more appropriately tailored products and, ultimately, better outcomes. Bob subsequently joined forces with the highly experienced insurance practitioner and long-time family friend David Tudor to help build and establish Thornton Financial Limited.

David has spent 12 years in the industry advising families on their personal insurance requirements. He began his career at the UK’s largest insurance brokerage and has since progressed through a number of senior roles including mentor, Senior Business Adviser and Head of Training and Oversight. He now serves as Thornton’s Managing Director and Head of Advice. A family man at heart, David lives with his partner, Alice, who runs her own business, their two children, and their two cockapoos! His strong sense of family values and personal integrity makes him ideally suited to lead Thornton.

In late 2024, Thornton recruited Daniel Crowley to the business, where he now leads Thornton’s Business Protection proposition. Daniel began his career in the Police Service, but after surviving a serious cancer diagnosis, he chose to change direction. Drawing on his personal experience, he is passionate about helping families and businesses understand the importance of protection policies and the risks of living without adequate coverage.

Since then, Thornton has built a highly experienced team of personal and business protection advisers, collectively boasting over 50 years of combined industry experience. With a team dedicated to integrity, transparency, and client-focused advice, Thornton Financial continues to provide families and businesses across the UK with the protection they need, when they need it most. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every client receives guidance they can trust, helping them secure their future with confidence and peace of mind.