The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to client success, The Franklin Group delivers comprehensive advisory services and strategic solutions to financial institutions, leveraging deep financial sophistication and operational expertise to achieve best-in-class outcomes.

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 - James Noel
  • President, Development - Thomas Johnston
  • Chief Information Officer - Charles Mixer
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Heidi Harrison
  • Taylor Franklin - Chief Executive Officer

    Taylor Franklin, the Chief Executive Officer at The Franklin Group, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the advisory firm. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion within the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors, ensuring alignment with client needs and market dynamics. Franklin's executive decisions shape the firm's approach to delivering comprehensive advice and strategic solutions to banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of financial sophistication and operating experience, which are cornerstones of the firm's client service model. This position demands a keen understanding of industry trends and a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities for growth and client engagement. Taylor Franklin's leadership ensures the firm maintains its position as a premier advisory partner.

    Michael Chester - Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview

    Michael Chester, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview at The Franklin Group, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management for the organization. This executive role is central to maintaining the financial health and strategic growth of the firm, particularly as it serves the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal discipline. Michael Chester's responsibilities extend to managing financial relationships with banks, specialty finance companies, and investors, providing critical insights that inform strategic decision-making. This position requires a deep understanding of financial markets and a commitment to upholding the firm's reputation for financial sophistication. Michael Chester's leadership ensures the financial integrity and sustainability of The Franklin Group's operations.

    NextTaylor Franklin - Chief Operating Officer

    NextTaylor Franklin, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency of the firm's advisory services. This critical function ensures that the company's strategic initiatives are translated into tangible results for clients in the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The Chief Operating Officer manages the integration of financial sophistication and operating experience across all client engagements, optimizing service delivery. NextTaylor Franklin's purview includes streamlining internal processes, enhancing resource allocation, and ensuring the seamless delivery of comprehensive advice and strategic solutions. This role is pivotal in maintaining the high standards of service expected by banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. By focusing on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer directly supports the firm's mission to provide best-in-class guidance.

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, spearheads initiatives focused on strategic growth and the expansion of the firm's service offerings. This executive position is dedicated to identifying and cultivating new opportunities within the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors. The President, Development drives the conceptualization and execution of new ventures, ensuring they align with the firm's core competencies in financial sophistication and operating experience. James Noel's responsibilities include fostering key relationships and partnerships that support the firm's strategic objectives, thereby enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive advice and strategic solutions. This role is instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of The Franklin Group, focusing on innovation and market penetration. James Noel's leadership in development ensures the firm remains at the forefront of advisory services.
    James Noel

    Thomas Johnston - President, Development

    Thomas Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, drives strategic expansion and the cultivation of new business avenues for the firm. This executive leadership role focuses on identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The President, Development is responsible for conceptualizing and implementing growth strategies, ensuring that new initiatives leverage the firm's deep financial sophistication and operating experience. Thomas Johnston's purview includes building and nurturing strategic alliances that bolster the firm's ability to deliver comprehensive advice and innovative solutions to banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. This position is critical for advancing The Franklin Group's market presence and service portfolio. Thomas Johnston's dedication to development fuels the firm's ongoing evolution and success.
    Thomas Johnston

    Charles Mixer - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Mixer, the Chief Information Officer at The Franklin Group, architects and manages the firm's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. This executive leadership position is crucial for supporting the delivery of sophisticated advisory services to the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology solutions enhance the firm's ability to provide comprehensive advice and strategic solutions, integrating financial sophistication with operational efficiency. Charles Mixer's responsibilities include safeguarding client data, implementing innovative technological tools, and driving digital transformation initiatives that benefit banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. This role demands a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption, ensuring the firm remains competitive and responsive to evolving industry demands. Charles Mixer's oversight guarantees robust and secure technological support for all client engagements.

    Heidi Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Heidi Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, oversees the essential administrative functions that support the firm's advisory operations. This leadership role ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization, enabling the delivery of comprehensive services to the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The Chief Administrative Officer manages human resources, facilities, and general corporate administration, creating an environment conducive to high performance and client satisfaction. Heidi Harrison's responsibilities include implementing policies and procedures that align with the firm's commitment to financial sophistication and operating experience. This position is vital for maintaining operational continuity and supporting the strategic objectives of The Franklin Group. Heidi Harrison's focus on administrative excellence underpins the firm's capacity to provide best-in-class advice to its diverse client base.

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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 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.