Gavin Thorn arrives at First Actuarial as financial wellbeing consultant

Gavin Thorn has joined First Actuarial as a financial wellbeing consultant. He brings a quarter-century of expertise to the firm, having spent time in senior roles with a number of wealth management consultancies in that time.

Head of Financial Wellbeing at First Actuarial, Catherine Lockyer, said, “More and more employers are recognising the need to make their employee benefits really work for their people. And they see the huge impact of financial education and support on wellbeing in their workforce. At First Actuarial, we are building up our services and growing our team so we can meet even more of this demand. Gavin will help us achieve this, and I’m delighted to welcome him on board.”

Founded in 2004, First Actuarial is a consulting firm which specialises in pension advisory services. The firm is headquartered in Leeds, but also has UK offices in Manchester, Peterborough, Tonbridge and Basingstoke.

Gavin Thorn has joined First Actuarial from Aon, where he previously spent six years. It was during this time that his career pivoted to financial wellbeing coaching. He delivered financial wellbeing services to the employees of corporate clients, covering a range of personal finance themes.

Prior to Aon, Thorn worked at Fidelus, in an employee benefits consultancy role which included delivering pension-themed financial education. Before then, he also spent time at Mercer in a similar role, and at Standard Life in a corporate pensions position.

Speaking on his new challenge, Thorn commented, “First Actuarial has a superb reputation in the financial services industry and deservedly so – they do things well and culture is fantastic… It’s great to be bringing my skills and experience to First Actuarial’s growing financial wellbeing team. The firm has developed some innovative tools, such as its Financial MOT, which I can use in one-to-one sessions, presentations, webinars and workshops.”

First Actuarial believes in communicating financial guidance in simple terms that everyone can understand. According to the firm’s latest hire, that’s something which fits with his personal technique as well.

Thorn added, “Pensions and other financial products are complicated. I pride myself on my informal style and the simple language I use to help people understand their finances. They can then go away with a few actions that will enhance their financial wellbeing – like paying more into their pension, rethinking their investments, or shopping around for suppliers.”

In the wake of the cost-of-living crisis, financial wellbeing remains a hot topic for employers. First Actuarial is transitioning from pension-based support to full financial guidance, with increased use of online tools, to help employers adapt – and that is also where Thorn is happy to be of service.

He concluded, “While technology is important, there’s no substitute for sitting down with someone, discussing their circumstances, and suggesting ways to help them. At First Actuarial, the human element always comes first. I’m confident that I can thrive here.”