Tommo, as he was affectionately known to friends, co-founded The Mortgage Lender and had a prominent role at Mortgages PLC.
Tributes for Pete Thomson continued to flood in yesterday after the mortgage legend passed away on Monday from a suspected heart attack.
Tommo, as he was affectionately known to friends, had some 30 years of experience in the sector, working in executive, senior management and sales roles. He was former sales and marketing, as well as a founding director, at The Mortgage Lender - a company he helped set up in 2015 - before illness forced his departure earlier this year.
A renowned Manchester City supporter, before the move to TML he was best known for being head of sales at Mortgages PLC, later moving on to become sales director after the company was acquired by Merrill Lynch.
During the credit crunch Tommo(Pictured above with wife Sheena)also had a brief stint as sales director of The Finance Centre, then spent two years as managing director of RPS Capital Partners.
Before long the opportunity to help set up TML appeared and Tommo was able to capitalise on his past experience, having forged both long-term business acquaintances and friends.
Wife Sheena announced the tragic news to close friends on Facebook yesterday.
“It pains me to say that I lost the most amazing Husband a girl could ever wish for yesterday.
“He went to the ends of the earth for me and his 3 girls, I couldnt have found anyone more special, kind and loving, he made me feel like a little piece of cotton wool in his pocket.... our time was too short, but what time we had was Awesome, Amazing, Crazy, Fun, Laughter...”
Mike Allison, head of protection at Paradigm Protect, and Tommo’s best pal, led the industry tributes.
“As some of you know, my best friend Pete passed away yesterday. After illness forced his departure from TML earlier this year, he continued to suffer.
“Despite recent signs that he was getting over the worst his brave and uphill battle ended yesterday when his heart finally gave in.
“He leaves a wife and three lovely daughters, all of whom he was immensely proud.”
More tributes quickly followed.
Rob Jupp, chief executive of Brightstar, spoke for many in the industry.
“Tommo was the original ‘larger than life character.’ Whenever you were in his company you were guaranteed banter with his wicked sense of humour as well as a bellyful of laughs and beer,” he said.
“In the pre-crash market he was a key component of one of the most successful specialists teams that the UK market has known and was renowned for knowing everyone and having little respect for hierarchy treating everyone the same. Many of us will miss him and our sector has lost one of its brightest stars. Rest in Peace my big friend.”
More friends, former colleagues and bosses took to Facebook.
Marketing consultant Julian Wells, director of Whitecap Consulting, worked with Tommo at Mortgages PLC and Merrill Lynch from 2000 onwards.
“Devastatingly sad news, he will be really missed by so many people,” he wrote. “He was larger than life in every way, and was a great mate and colleague over many years. As already mentioned, he was a legend. RIP Peter Thomson x.”
Others from across the industry were in shock.
Tim Hague, now managing partner at Sagis, was managing director at BM Solutions in 2005 - an arch rival to MPLC. “Absolutely gobsmacked and gutted. Tommo was a top man. RIP x.”
And Jason Berry, director of sales at Uinsure, said: “Really gutted to hear the sad news. Like many I have stand out memories in Pete’s company which I will never forget. A generous, selfless person who was always willing to help others. He will be missed hugely. RIP.”
Emma Hall, head of sales at GW Legal, also spoke for many, simply putting: “Such a funny and loving man - he will be missed x x x.”
Meanwhile Roger Morris, sales director at Precise Mortgages, was one of many who took to Twitter, saying: “A very sad day what a lovely man who will be very much missed by all.. x.”
Details of Tommo’s funeral arrangements will be provided to his friends in due course.
Mike Allison, who’d been due to watch the West Ham Man City match this Saturday with Tommo, added: “RIP Peter Thomson - have as many Kit Kats as you like now pal!!”
