Born in Scotland, the son of a clergyman, Thomson embarked on a formative educational journey, attending schools in Dundee and Edinburgh before his family made the bold decision to emigrate to the United States in 1955. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a life that would be filled with diversity and a passion for the media industry.
Thomson's high school years were spent in Maine, followed by his attendance at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he cultivated a unique set of skills through various off-campus jobs. These eclectic roles, which included managing the local art-house cinema, hosting a classical music show on KCPA-FM, and working in Dallas film and television studios, served as a precursor to his future career in media.
The 1960s found Thomson indulging in a sybaritic lifestyle in London, while the 1970s saw him relocate to Paris. It was at the beginning of the 1980s that he made the move to Germany, a country that would become his home since 1992.
The locals in Cologne have grown accustomed to the sight of Thomson, a tall and gaunt figure, resplendent in Scottish national dress. His children, Nicholas, born in 1966, and Jessica, born in 1988, claim that their father manages to wear the kilt without appearing ridiculous, although not everyone agrees with this assessment.
