The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Franklin Group has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial oversight, administration, and development.

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

Leadership Roles at The Franklin Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Taylor Franklin
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview - Michael Chester
  • Chief Operating Officer - Christopher Pierson
  • President, Operations - Chris McKee
  • President, Development - James Noel
  • President, Development - Tom Johnston
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Gloria Harrison
  • Taylor Franklin - Chief Executive Officer

    Taylor Franklin, the Chief Executive Officer at The Franklin Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. This leadership role involves guiding the advisory services provided to banks and specialty finance companies across the United States. By aligning financial sophistication with practical operating experience, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-impact solutions for investors. Taylor Franklin maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term growth objectives and market positioning. The Chief Executive Officer monitors industry trends to anticipate shifts in consumer and commercial finance, ensuring the firm remains a leader in the consulting sector. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organizational culture toward excellence. This executive leadership guarantees that every client engagement reflects the core mission of providing best-in-class financial advice while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and operational efficiency.

    Michael Chester - Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview

    Michael Chester, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview at The Franklin Group, manages the financial health and fiscal reporting for the Westview division. This role involves overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial planning to support the firm's advisory services in the consumer and commercial finance sectors. Michael Chester ensures that all financial operations align with the broader strategic goals of the firm, providing the necessary data to inform investment decisions for clients. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview protects the firm's assets and ensures long-term stability. This executive interacts with the Board to present financial performance reports and risk assessments. Through the management of complex financial structures, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview supports the firm's ability to deliver best-in-class advice. This leadership position requires constant vigilance over market volatility and fiscal compliance, ensuring that the firm remains a trusted partner for banks and specialty finance companies.

    Christopher Pierson - Chief Operating Officer

    Christopher Pierson, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the internal infrastructure and daily business processes that support the firm's advisory engagements. Overseeing the execution of strategic projects, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all consulting teams possess the necessary resources to deliver comprehensive advice to banks and specialty finance clients. Christopher Pierson coordinates cross-departmental workflows to optimize efficiency and maintain the high quality of service expected by investors. This role involves monitoring operational performance metrics and implementing process improvements that scale with the firm's growth. By streamlining internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer enables the firm to provide sophisticated financial solutions with agility. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to translate high-level strategy into actionable operational plans. Through this focus on internal excellence, the Chief Operating Officer secures the firm's ability to navigate complex market challenges while consistently meeting client expectations.
    Christopher Pierson

    Chris McKee - President, Operations

    Chris McKee, the President, Operations at The Franklin Group, leads the execution of service delivery for the firm's advisory engagements. This role involves managing the day-to-day operational activities that support banks and specialty finance companies in achieving their strategic goals. Chris McKee oversees the deployment of consulting teams, ensuring that each project receives the necessary expertise to address complex financial challenges. By driving operational performance, the President, Operations ensures that the firm delivers consistent, high-quality results for its clients. This executive collaborates with the broader leadership team to refine service offerings and adapt to changing market conditions. The President, Operations monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction. Through the management of operational workflows, the President, Operations supports the firm's reputation as a leading advisor in the consumer and commercial finance industries, ensuring that every engagement reflects the firm's commitment to excellence.

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, focuses on the expansion of the firm's service portfolio and the cultivation of new business opportunities within the consumer finance sector. This role involves identifying emerging market trends and developing strategic partnerships that enhance the firm's advisory capabilities. James Noel leads the efforts to broaden the firm's reach, ensuring that banks and specialty finance companies have access to innovative financial solutions. By architecting growth strategies, the President, Development drives the firm's market presence and strengthens its competitive position. This executive collaborates with other leaders to align development initiatives with the firm's long-term vision. The President, Development monitors the success of new service lines and adjusts strategies to meet the evolving needs of investors. Through the pursuit of new business ventures, the President, Development ensures that the firm continues to provide best-in-class advice while expanding its influence across the national financial landscape.
    James Noel

    Tom Johnston - President, Development

    Tom Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, manages the strategic acquisition of new client relationships and the expansion of the firm's commercial finance advisory practice. This role involves analyzing market data to identify growth opportunities and designing tailored solutions for specialty finance companies. Tom Johnston leads the development of client-facing initiatives that highlight the firm's unique combination of financial sophistication and operating experience. By fostering strong relationships with investors and financial institutions, the President, Development ensures a steady pipeline of high-value engagements. This executive works closely with the leadership team to integrate new business development strategies into the firm's overall growth plan. The President, Development monitors the effectiveness of outreach programs and refines the firm's value proposition to maintain its status as a leading advisor. Through the focus on business development, the President, Development secures the firm's long-term success and market impact.
    Tom Johnston

    Gloria Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Gloria Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, directs the administrative functions and corporate governance frameworks that underpin the firm's operations. This role involves managing human capital, office infrastructure, and compliance protocols to ensure a seamless environment for the advisory teams. Gloria Harrison oversees the implementation of policies that support the firm's mission of providing sophisticated financial advice to banks and specialty finance companies. By fostering an efficient organizational structure, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the firm to maintain its competitive edge in the consulting industry. This executive collaborates with other leaders to ensure that administrative processes align with the firm's strategic growth objectives. The Chief Administrative Officer monitors regulatory requirements and internal standards to mitigate risk and promote operational excellence. Through the management of corporate resources, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality service to clients across the national market.

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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 Taylor Franklin (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Chester (Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview) and Christopher Pierson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Franklin Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Franklin Group includes leaders such as Taylor Franklin (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Chester (Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview), Christopher Pierson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Franklin Group have?
    The Franklin Group has 7 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 Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview, Chief Operating Officer, President, Operations, President, Development.