Death of SimplyBiz MD Thorneycroft
Share
Ian Thorneycroft
Industry figures paid tribute to SimplyBiz managing director Ian Thorneycroft, who has died from cancer aged 54.
Thorneycroft had been on leave since February 2009 while he was treated for bowel cancer. He had been given the all-clear in April and hoped to return to work this spring but his condition deteriorated unexpectedly and he died on Sunday evening.
SimplyBiz chairman Ken Davy says: “For the last 15 months, Ian has fought a heroic battle against a particularly dreadful form of cancer.
Throughout it all, his positive attitude, humour and determination have been an inspiration to all, not just those of us who had the privilege of knowing him but to the whole of the financial services sector.
“We all have our own very special memories of Ian and he will live in our hearts forever. All our thoughts are now with his wife Judith and the family at this difficult time.”
Thorneycroft joined financial services in the mid-1970s as a trainee manager at Nationwide Building Society, then called the Co-operative Permanent.
In 1993, he headed the society’s IFA subsidiary and in 1996 moved to Legal & General to become operations director for the broker division.
After working as member relations director of the DBS network, he was appointed founding managing director of SimplyBiz in 2002. He was an Aifa director and sat on various retail distribution review committees.
Last November, Thorneycroft rallied advisers in Money Marketing to bring back pride in the industry and for a return to traditional values.
Aifa director general Chris Cummings says: “It is with great sadness Aifa learned Ian Thorneycroft had passed away. Ian was an outstanding council member and a strong advocate for independent financial advice. He will be missed by all those who knew him.”
If you enjoyed this article, sign up here to receive daily email updates from Money Marketing and Follow @_moneymarketing
Readers' comments (2)
Glen Wheatley | 26 Jun 2010 8:28 am
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of my old friend Ian. I was with Ian from 1971 to 1973, at Hull College of Technology. It was our first time away from our homes and family and he gave me much support and help during this time. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time. Rest in Peace Ian, you were a true friend.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Peter Key | 29 Jun 2010 9:32 pm
Like Glen I was part of that group of trainee Engineers at Hull. Ian's wicked sense of fun and humour were always evident. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment