Our team.

Directors

John Thorpe

Group CEO
John joined the business in 1981, becoming the third John Thorpe to work at Thorpes Joinery.

John held several roles in both the factory and office, from wood machinist to production before taking the company's reins in 1991.
Since then, he has been a key driver behind our rebrand and subsequent shift into the commercial fit-out market in the mid-90s, establishing our reputation with contractors, project managers, architects and end users, allowing us to grow into a major specialist joinery company within the London market.
Since January 2025, John has taken on his latest role as Group CEO, in which he oversees the Thorpe Interior Group, using his vast experience, industry knowledge and passion to guide, grow and develop our company.
Simon Hobart

Finance & Managing Director
Simon began his training in an accountancy practice in Leicester before crossing into industry, where he became fully qualified whilst working as a Reporting Accountant for The BSS Group.
In his previous role as Head of Finance at Buck & Hickman, Simon gained years of experience within the Leadership Team, which is clear to see within his role at Thorpes.
Simon joined Thorpes Joinery in 2015, and was appointed as Financial Director in 2017. His significant knowledge, drive and systems are key to the success of not only our finance departments, but to the whole company, resulting in his promotion to Finance & Managing Director in January 2025.
David Dean

Operations Director
As a time-served, graduate engineer with a background in large-scale constructional engineering, David’s aptitude for expansive manufacturing has been of tremendous benefit since he joined Thorpes in May 2001.
Following an initial role in our commercial department, David became our Operations/ H&S Director in April 2014.
His experience and planning were crucial in the development, build, and effective running of our manufacturing facility, and this knowledge perfectly complements his current role as Operations Director.
As well as overseeing the day-to-day running and long-term planning of our factory, David plays a key role in the continued certification of legal and sustainable timber procurement and is responsible for the setting up and operation of our Health & Safety policies, currently holding a graduate membership of IoSH.
Jamie Thorpe

Sales Director

Beginning his journey with us in 2014, Jamie became the fourth generation of the Thorpe family to work within the business following his degree from the University of Birmingham

Jamie started life at Thorpes on our sites, gaining valuable experience at the coalface of a project, before progressing into Sales & Marketing via the Commercial Department.
Jamie was promoted to Sales Director in 2024. He drives our work-winning efforts, promoting a sales strategy that focuses on helping our clients to deliver their projects and seeks to build meaningful relationships along the way.
He oversees our Marketing Department, promoting a strong internal culture and communicating this effectively to the outside world.

Senior Management Team

Head of Pre-Construction
Matt’s career in the world of construction began over 30 years ago, and since then, he has gained valuable experience across a number of sectors within our industry.
Since joining Thorpes in 2011 as Head of Commercial & Estimating, Matt has used his in-depth trade knowledge to help drive Thorpe’s growth, working on some of London’s most prestigious landmark projects.
Now operating as our Head of Pre-Construction, Matt uses his sizable understanding of the industry to confidently and expertly advise on design and cost implications and pragmatically manages his projects to ensure a smooth, non-adversarial service for our clients.

Matt’s career in the world of construction began over 30 years ago, and since then, he has gained valuable experience across a number of sectors within our industry.

Since joining Thorpes in 2011 as Head of Commercial & Estimating, Matt has used his in-depth trade knowledge to help drive Thorpe’s growth, working on some of London’s most prestigious landmark projects.

Now operating as our Head of Pre-Construction, Matt uses his sizable understanding of the industry to confidently and expertly advise on design and cost implications and pragmatically manages his projects to ensure a smooth, non-adversarial service for our clients.

Chris joined Thorpes Joinery in 2004 as a trainee estimator, and his growth and development have been intrinsic to the evolution of our company.
Since moving into commercial management in 2009, Chris has worked closely with all aspects of our business, gaining experience in supporting Project Managers, Estimators and Site Installation teams in successfully delivering high-profile projects throughout the country.
A key part of Chris’s role has been in developing relationships with our customers. His work in providing accurate, reliable and timely financial information is paramount to a smooth project.
Recently, Chris has undertaken a vocational qualification supported by the business, and will imminently become MCIOB qualified related to construction management, a terrific achievement which is a testament to his own development and work ethic.

Rich has only been with us a short time, joining in January 2022 but, after several successful projects he was promoted as the new Head of Projects.
With a background in joinery, experience as a CAD Drawer and Project Manager and an unwavering enthusiasm, Rich is well placed in this role.
He will oversee every project, ensuring a successful delivery for us and most importantly, our clients.

Paul ‘Dot’ Cotton has played a massive role within the company for several years, running the factory and in doing so, delivering a number of high-quality projects.
Paul’s role has evolved as the company has too, with new systems, new equipment and new staff to manage across the years.
What has remained the same is his unwavering commitment and sense of price in what the factory creates.

Ben has a unique skillset and over a decade of industry experience.
His role is an important one, as Ben is responsible for co-ordination, quality control processes and efficiency, tying together various departments to ensure we are operating as excellently as possible.

Our people are our greatest asset.

Across all departments, at all stages of their career with us, our team is what drives us, and what allows us to create truly specialist joinery, week in, week out.