Thornton (pictured) has spent the last 12 years working for digital insights software provider Cint, most recently as chief commercial officer before becoming a senior adviser to the company.

Before joining Cint, Thornton was managing director of Ciao Surveys, the European arm of Greenfield Online.

The appointment of Thornton follows the £2.5m investment from YFM in January 2021, and will support the growth of Vypr. Vypr runs a cloud-based data validation platform for manufacturers and retailers that combines behavioural science and a consumer panel.

Richard Law, chair of Vypr, said: “Richard’s sector experience, contacts and impressive strategic track record in our sector make him a perfect fit for Vypr at a time when the business’ growth, both in terms of revenue and new strategic customers, is accelerating quickly.

“Having Richard join us at the same time as receiving investment from YFM further enhances our market position and prospects.”