Richard Thorpe

Richard Thorpe is a multi-award-winning global business leader, CEO, and investor with a focus on driving sustainable innovation and transformative business strategies. He currently serves as the President and CEO of Pebble, a company he joined in September 2022. At Pebble, Richard leads efforts in cloud innovation, AI infrastructure, and digital transformation, helping enterprises navigate hybrid cloud environments, edge computing, and intelligent automation. Under his leadership, Pebble has quickly gained recognition as a trusted global partner for businesses seeking to secure and scale their operations.
 

Richard has been the Chairman of The HFM Group since 2019, where he guided strategic growth and investment. Previously, he served as the Global CEO of The HFM Group. Richard also led Service Matters as Group Executive Director and was the Global Strategic Director at PHS Group, focusing on enterprise sales and ESG-led initiatives. 

Furthermore, he co-founded the UK School of Sustainability in 2013, contributing to sustainable business practices in the UK.
 

Richard’s earlier career includes roles as the Head of Business Development at EIC Limited and the Solution Sales Lead at Honeywell. He also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Trident DNS. Richard has been recognised for his work, including being named "CEO to Watch" by The Telegraph and Lloyds Banking Group.
 

Richard Thorpe holds a BA (Hons) degree in New Media and Business from the University of Wales, Newport, and an HND in Business & Technology from University College Bristol. Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated a commitment to responsible capitalism and sustainable growth, emphasising both profitability and social impact in his ventures.

Richard Thorpe developed a keen interest in business and technology at an early age, which eventually led him to pursue studies in Business & Technology at University College Bristol, where he completed an HND with distinction. Later, he attended the University of Wales, Newport, where he earned a BA (Hons) degree in New Media and Business, achieving a 2:1 classification. These academic achievements set the foundation for his future career in business leadership.

In the early stages of his career, Richard began working at Blu Future, where he held the position of Managing Director from May 2004 to August 2007. During his tenure, Richard was responsible for overseeing key projects and expanding the company’s portfolio. His leadership skills became evident as he helped guide the company towards notable milestones, building a solid foundation for future opportunities.

From 2007 to 2009, Richard worked as a Director at Blu Directory. His role involved managing and expanding the company’s operations across multiple regions, enhancing the company’s service offerings, and positioning Blu Directory as a key player in the directory services industry.

In 2009, Richard transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer at Trident DNS, where he worked until 2011. In this capacity, he was instrumental in improving operational efficiencies and driving organisational growth. His strategic focus contributed significantly to the company's expansion, particularly in international markets such as Hong Kong.
 

In 2011, Richard joined Honeywell as Solution Sales Lead, a position he held until 2013. Here, he was responsible for developing sales strategies for Honeywell’s product solutions in the UK, working closely with clients to address their business needs and helping Honeywell increase its market share.
 

From 2013 to 2014, Richard worked as Head of Business Development at EIC Limited. He was tasked with identifying new business opportunities and establishing strategic partnerships. Richard’s efforts helped the company grow its client base and solidify its position in the industry.
 

Between 2014 and 2017, Richard worked at PHS Group, starting as the Group Key Accounts Director and later becoming the Global Strategic Director. In these roles, he was responsible for overseeing key client relationships and driving multimillion-pound deals. Richard also launched several ESG-led service initiatives, contributing to the company’s sustainability efforts and aligning it with global environmental standards.

During this period, Richard also co-founded the UK School of Sustainability in 2013, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable business practices and education in the UK. He played an active role in shaping the organisation’s vision and mission, which focused on educating individuals and companies about sustainable practices and the importance of environmental responsibility.
 

From 2017 to 2018, Richard was the Group Executive Director at Service Matters. His role involved guiding the strategic direction of the company, ensuring that it expanded into new markets, and driving the company’s digital transformation efforts. Richard’s leadership was crucial in the execution of high-value investments and the implementation of innovative solutions across the company’s portfolio.
 

In 2018, Richard became the Global CEO of The HFM Group, a position he held until 2019. During his brief tenure as CEO, he played a key role in steering the company towards new growth opportunities, overseeing its expansion into new regions, and implementing cutting-edge digital solutions to improve its overall business operations. Richard was instrumental in transforming the company’s structure and positioning it for long-term success.
 

Since 2019, Richard has held the role of Chairman at The HFM Group, where he continues to guide the company’s strategic direction. He has also been the President & CEO of Pebble since September 2022, leading the company’s efforts in cloud innovation, AI infrastructure, and digital transformation. Under his leadership, Pebble has become a global partner for enterprises looking to scale their operations securely and sustainably.
 

Throughout his career, Richard has consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible capitalism, focusing on creating profitable businesses that also have a positive impact on society and the environment. He has been recognised for his leadership, including being named "CEO to Watch" by The Telegraph and Lloyds Banking Group. His work has made a significant impact across multiple industries, particularly in the fields of business development, digital transformation, and sustainability.
 

Today, Richard continues to lead Pebble, where he is at the forefront of shaping the future of cloud technology and digital innovation. He remains focused on expanding the company’s global reach and driving sustainable growth, helping clients future-proof their businesses while contributing to a more sustainable world.

Richard Thorpe's vision is to lead businesses towards sustainable growth by combining profitability with positive social and environmental impact. He aims to drive innovation in cloud technology, AI, and digital transformation, helping companies navigate complex challenges and future-proof their operations. By promoting responsible capitalism, Richard strives to create businesses that not only succeed financially but also contribute to a better, more sustainable world. His commitment to sustainability and innovation continues to shape the direction of Pebble and the wider industry, empowering clients to grow securely, sustainably, and strategically in a rapidly changing world.

Richard Thorpe has received significant recognition for his leadership and innovation. He was named “CEO to Watch” by The Telegraph and Lloyds Banking Group, highlighting his influence in the business world. Over the years, he has been acknowledged for his role in driving sustainable growth and digital transformation across various industries. Richard’s ability to combine profitability with social responsibility has earned him respect among business leaders. His work in shaping successful enterprises and contributing to sustainable innovation has made him a prominent figure in the global business community.