The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Franklin Group has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, operational management, financial oversight, administrative governance, and business development.

Committed to delivering comprehensive advisory solutions, The Franklin Group empowers banks and specialty finance companies through deep industry expertise and strategic financial guidance.

Leadership Roles at The Franklin Group

  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview - Michael Chester
  • Chief Operating Officer - Christopher Pierson
  • President, Development - Tom Johnston
  • President, Operations - Chris McKee
  • President, Development - James Noel
  • Chief Information Officer - Charles Mixer
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Heidi Harrison
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer - Gloria Harrison
  • Michael Chester - Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview

    Michael Chester, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview at The Franklin Group, manages the fiscal health and financial reporting structures for the Westview division. By overseeing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview ensures that the firm maintains the financial stability required to support long-term advisory growth. Chester directs the financial analysis of complex commercial finance portfolios, providing the necessary data to inform strategic decision-making for clients and internal stakeholders. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance with financial regulations while optimizing the firm's internal cost structures. Through the management of financial risk, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview supports the firm's ability to deliver best-in-class advice to banks and specialty finance companies. Michael Chester drives fiscal discipline across the division, ensuring that all financial operations align with the overarching mission of providing high-value strategic solutions.

    Christopher Pierson - Chief Operating Officer

    Christopher Pierson, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the daily operational execution of advisory services for banks and specialty finance companies. Overseeing the firm's internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all client engagements meet rigorous standards of financial sophistication and operational excellence. Pierson drives efficiency across the organization by streamlining project management frameworks and resource allocation strategies. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to refine the firm's service delivery model and expand market reach across diverse financial sectors. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high levels of service quality and operational agility. Christopher Pierson focuses on scaling the firm's capacity to handle complex advisory mandates, ensuring that the organization remains a premier partner for investors and financial institutions seeking expert guidance in a competitive global market.
    Christopher Pierson

    Tom Johnston - President, Development

    Tom Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, leads the strategic expansion of the firm's service offerings within the consumer and commercial finance sectors. By identifying new market opportunities and cultivating relationships with potential clients, the President, Development ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the advisory industry. Johnston directs the development of new service lines that address the evolving needs of banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. This leadership role involves crafting long-term growth strategies that leverage the firm's unique combination of financial sophistication and operating experience. Through the pursuit of strategic partnerships, the President, Development expands the firm's footprint across key financial markets. Tom Johnston focuses on driving revenue growth by delivering innovative solutions that solve complex client challenges, ensuring that the firm continues to provide best-in-class advice to its diverse client base.
    Tom Johnston

    Chris McKee - President, Operations

    Chris McKee, the President, Operations at The Franklin Group, oversees the execution of advisory projects and the management of operational workflows across the firm. By directing the delivery of comprehensive strategic solutions, the President, Operations ensures that all client engagements are executed with precision and deep industry insight. McKee manages the firm's operational teams, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes client success and high-quality output. This leadership role involves refining the firm's service delivery processes to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of banks and specialty finance companies. Through the oversight of project lifecycles, the President, Operations maintains the firm's commitment to providing best-in-class advice. Chris McKee drives operational excellence, ensuring that the firm's internal capabilities remain aligned with the complex demands of the financial services market and the expectations of its sophisticated investor clients.

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, focuses on the strategic acquisition of new business and the diversification of the firm's advisory portfolio. By analyzing market trends in consumer and commercial finance, the President, Development architects growth initiatives that attract banks and specialty finance companies to the firm's platform. Noel directs the outreach efforts and client acquisition strategies that expand the firm's influence within the financial services industry. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to identify emerging sectors where the firm's financial sophistication can provide significant value. Through the cultivation of long-term client relationships, the President, Development ensures a steady pipeline of advisory mandates. James Noel drives the firm's development agenda, focusing on sustainable growth and the continuous enhancement of the firm's reputation as a leading provider of strategic financial solutions.
    James Noel

    Charles Mixer - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Mixer, the Chief Information Officer at The Franklin Group, directs the technological infrastructure supporting complex consumer and commercial finance advisory services. By architecting secure data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital advisory tools remain resilient against evolving cybersecurity threats. Mixer oversees the integration of advanced analytics platforms, enabling the firm to provide data-driven insights to banks and specialty finance clients. This leadership role involves aligning technical capabilities with the broader strategic goals of the organization to maintain a competitive edge in the financial services sector. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer optimizes internal workflows and enhances the delivery of client-facing advisory products. Charles Mixer maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that the firm leverages modern technology to sustain high-level performance across all North American operations.

    Heidi Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Heidi Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, governs the internal administrative functions and organizational policies that support the firm's advisory operations. By managing human capital strategies and corporate governance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm maintains a high-performance culture capable of serving sophisticated financial clients. Harrison oversees the implementation of internal protocols that streamline communication and project coordination across the firm's various departments. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of operational excellence, where administrative efficiency directly supports the delivery of strategic advice to banks and specialty finance companies. Through the oversight of corporate infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the firm to scale its operations effectively while maintaining strict adherence to industry standards. Heidi Harrison drives organizational alignment, ensuring that all administrative processes contribute to the firm's reputation for providing superior financial and operating expertise.

    Gloria Harrison - Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

    Gloria Harrison, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the firm's internal administrative infrastructure and organizational support systems. By overseeing the integration of administrative policies, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm's operational environment remains conducive to high-level advisory work. Harrison directs the coordination of internal resources, supporting the firm's ability to provide comprehensive advice to banks and specialty finance companies. This leadership role involves managing the firm's corporate compliance and internal reporting structures to ensure operational integrity. Through the optimization of administrative workflows, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer enhances the firm's overall efficiency and service delivery capabilities. Gloria Harrison focuses on maintaining the organizational standards that allow the firm to provide best-in-class advice, ensuring that all internal functions support the firm's strategic mission and long-term success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Franklin Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Franklin Group?
    The Franklin Group is led by Michael Chester (Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview), along with executives such as Christopher Pierson (Chief Operating Officer) and Tom Johnston (President, Development).
    Who is part of The Franklin Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Franklin Group includes leaders such as Michael Chester (Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview), Christopher Pierson (Chief Operating Officer), Tom Johnston (President, Development) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Franklin Group have?
    The Franklin Group has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Franklin Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Franklin Group includes roles such as Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview, Chief Operating Officer, President, Development, President, Operations, President, Development.