Thornhill, who has worked in the financial services sector since 2004, brings with her various experience, which started as a chartered accountant with KPMG. 

During her career, Thornhill has held the role of finance director of Provident Financial, chief financial officer of PerfectHome and led the development of the finance function and financial strategy for a start-up business.

In her new role, she will work on the executive board to help drive strategic priorities and the financial performance of the company.

Thornhill’s appointment at Pure Retirement comes at a time when there is greater scrutiny surrounding board-level diversity, with the government recently expressing a desire to have all listed companies featuring at least one woman occupying a board-level position by 2025.

Pure Retirement chief executive Paul Carter says: “We’re delighted to have someone of Thornhill’s calibre joining the company, and we’ve no doubt that she will be a great asset who will contribute enormously to achieving our long-term goals.”

“It’s also a great first step towards the diversification of our board membership, something we’re proud to be championing as part of the wider journey for change,” Carter adds.