The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering comprehensive advisory solutions to the consumer and commercial finance sectors, The Franklin Group maintains a commitment to financial sophistication and operational excellence for banks and specialty finance investors.

Leadership Roles at The Franklin Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Taylor Franklin
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview - Michael Chester
  • Chief Operating Officer - NextTaylor Franklin
  • President, Development - Tom Johnston
  • President, Development - James Noel
  • Chief Information Officer - Charles Mixer
  • 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. By aligning advisory services with the evolving needs of banks and specialty finance companies, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization remains a premier partner for investors. Taylor Franklin architects high-level growth initiatives that leverage deep operating experience to solve complex financial challenges. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine market positioning and long-term objectives. Through the oversight of firm-wide performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a culture of excellence and accountability. By fostering strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, the firm secures its reputation as a leader in the consumer and commercial finance advisory space. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the strategic trajectory of the entire organization, ensuring that every client engagement reflects the core mission of providing best-in-class financial guidance.

    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 strategy for the Westview division. By overseeing capital allocation and financial reporting, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview ensures that the firm maintains the stability required to provide expert advice to specialty finance companies. Michael Chester directs the budgeting processes and financial planning initiatives that support the firm's broader growth objectives. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to provide actionable financial intelligence to the executive team. By maintaining rigorous oversight of fiscal performance, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview ensures that all advisory engagements remain profitable and aligned with the firm's long-term mission. The role requires close coordination with other leaders to optimize resource distribution across regional operations. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview secures the financial foundation that allows the firm to deliver best-in-class advisory services to its diverse client base.

    NextTaylor Franklin - Chief Operating Officer

    NextTaylor Franklin, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the daily execution of advisory workflows and internal business processes. By optimizing operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm delivers consistent, high-quality results to banks and specialty finance clients. NextTaylor Franklin oversees the integration of internal resources to support complex consulting engagements across North American markets. This leadership role requires close collaboration with other C-suite members to streamline service delivery and improve project outcomes. By implementing rigorous performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service quality. The role involves managing the logistical aspects of client advisory projects, ensuring that every engagement aligns with the firm's broader financial goals. Through the continuous refinement of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's ability to scale effectively while maintaining the specialized expertise required for the commercial finance industry.

    Tom Johnston - President, Development

    Tom Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, leads the expansion of the firm's service offerings and market reach. By identifying new business opportunities within the consumer finance industry, the President, Development ensures that the firm continues to grow its client base of banks and specialty finance companies. Tom Johnston architects strategic partnerships that enhance the firm's advisory capabilities and market presence. This leadership role involves overseeing the development of new service lines that address emerging challenges in the financial sector. By focusing on long-term growth initiatives, the President, Development supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive, best-in-class advice. The role requires constant engagement with market leaders to anticipate industry shifts and adapt the firm's strategy accordingly. Ultimately, the President, Development drives the firm's expansion efforts, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of the financial advisory landscape through innovation and proactive market development.
    Tom Johnston

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, focuses on the execution of strategic growth projects and the cultivation of client relationships in the commercial finance sector. By managing the development of specialized advisory programs, the President, Development ensures that the firm delivers tailored solutions to its diverse investor base. James Noel architects initiatives that strengthen the firm's reputation for financial sophistication and operational expertise. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to align development efforts with the firm's overall strategic vision. By overseeing the implementation of new business models, the President, Development supports the firm's ability to navigate complex market environments. The role requires a deep understanding of the financial landscape to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth. Ultimately, the President, Development drives the firm's success by ensuring that every development initiative contributes to the delivery of superior advisory services and long-term client value.
    James Noel

    Charles Mixer - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Mixer, the Chief Information Officer at The Franklin Group, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support sophisticated financial advisory services. By securing data integrity and enhancing technological capabilities, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm provides secure, data-driven insights to banks and specialty finance investors. Charles Mixer oversees the implementation of advanced analytical tools that allow the firm to process complex market information with precision. This leadership role involves managing the firm's cybersecurity posture and digital transformation initiatives to maintain a competitive edge in the consulting industry. By aligning technology investments with business objectives, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's commitment to operational excellence. The role requires constant monitoring of emerging tech trends to ensure that advisory teams possess the most effective digital resources. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological innovation that enables the firm to deliver superior strategic solutions to clients across diverse financial markets.

    Gloria Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Gloria Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, directs the internal administrative functions that sustain the firm's daily operations. By overseeing human resources, facilities management, and corporate governance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the organization functions with maximum efficiency. Gloria Harrison architects policies that support a high-performance culture, enabling the firm to attract and retain top-tier talent for its advisory teams. This leadership role involves coordinating across departments to ensure that administrative processes align with the firm's strategic goals in the consumer and commercial finance sectors. By streamlining internal communications and organizational workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver seamless service to its clients. The role requires a focus on operational continuity and the maintenance of professional standards across all regional offices. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer drives the organizational stability that allows the firm to focus on providing expert financial advice to its investors.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Business Services

    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 NextTaylor Franklin (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), NextTaylor Franklin (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, Development, President, Development.