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Meet The Team: Chris Thorne

Chris Thorne, Commercial Director, 365 Finance

Identity & Credentials

  • Full name: Chris Thorne
  • Job title: Commercial Director, 365 Finance
  • LinkedIn: Visit Profile

Biography

Role & Day-to-Day

Chris Thorne is Commercial Director at 365 Finance, where he has worked since 2019. He leads the company’s commercial function, having previously built its strategic partnerships channel – working with banks, acquirers and payment providers to embed 365 Finance’s revenue-based funding into partner propositions, helping SMEs across the UK access fast, flexible working capital.

Employment History

Positions at 365 Finance:

  • Commercial Director – Nov 2025 to present, London
  • Strategic Partnerships Director – Dec 2019 to Nov 2025, London

Previous positions:

  • Head of Corporate Client Development & Strategic Commercial Relationships, Lloyds Cardnet (Lloyds Banking Group) – Dec 2016 to Aug 2019
  • Head of Product, Proposition & Marketing, Lloyds Cardnet (Lloyds Banking Group) – May 2012 to Dec 2016
  • Managing Director, CJTC Limited – Nov 2011 to Apr 2012
  • SVP, Sales Director – UK SME & Third Party Sales, and Streamline Ireland, RBS WorldPay – Mar 2007 to Oct 2011
  • Regional Sales Director, South West England, RBS – 2001 to 2007

Achievements & Awards

  • 35+ years in financial services, including 15+ years in card payments and merchant acquiring across the UK and Ireland.
  • Built 365 Finance’s strategic partnerships channel from 2019, and was promoted to Commercial Director in 2025.
  • Opened and led 365 Finance’s first regional office in Bristol (2024), following a 77% year-on-year rise in South West SME funding.
  • Has led sales teams of between 10 and 300 people across multiple UK and Ireland locations.

Education

  • Ashton Park School, Bristol – 1977-1983

Expos & Awards Events Attended

In The Media

In Their Own Words

“Partnerships only succeed when both sides genuinely win. Our partners get to support their business customers with funding that actually fits how those businesses trade, and they get a new revenue stream in return. After 35 years in financial services, what still matters most to me is strong relationships – being straight with people, doing what you said you’d do in a timely manner, and building something that lasts well beyond the first deal.”

Beyond the Office

  • Bristol born and educated
  • Family man with four grandchildren
  • Keen motorhome tourer
  • Rugby & golf enthusiast
  • 35+ years in financial services and still enjoys the deal