The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Franklin Group has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, finance, administration, and development.

Driven by a commitment to client success, The Franklin Group delivers comprehensive advisory services and strategic solutions across the consumer and commercial finance sectors, leveraging deep financial and operational expertise to empower banks, specialty finance companies, and their 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 - Thomas Johnston
  • President, Development - James Noel
  • Chief Information Officer - Charles Mixer
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Heidi Harrison
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer - Gloria 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. Franklin guides the company's focus on the consumer finance and commercial finance industries, ensuring that strategic solutions align with client needs. This leadership involves setting the direction for comprehensive advice delivered to banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to maintaining the firm's reputation for financial sophistication and operating experience. Franklin's executive decisions shape the best-in-class advice provided, directly impacting client outcomes and market positioning. The Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all divisions, fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity. Taylor Franklin's strategic oversight is critical for sustained growth and market leadership in the advisory space.

    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. Chester oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal health and compliance. This position is critical for supporting the firm's advisory services within the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview analyzes financial performance, identifies investment opportunities, and manages financial risks. Michael Chester's expertise in financial sophistication is key to providing best-in-class advice to banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors. Chester ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives that enhance profitability and shareholder value. Michael Chester's financial leadership underpins the firm's strategic growth and operational stability.

    NextTaylor Franklin - Chief Operating Officer

    NextTaylor Franklin, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the day-to-day operational functions and service delivery. Franklin ensures the seamless execution of strategic initiatives across the firm, focusing on optimizing internal processes and resource allocation. This role is vital for maintaining the high standards of advice provided to clients in the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors. The Chief Operating Officer oversees operational efficiency, driving improvements in service delivery and client support. NextTaylor Franklin's responsibilities include managing cross-functional teams and ensuring alignment with the company's mission. By enhancing operational capabilities, the Chief Operating Officer directly contributes to the firm's ability to offer comprehensive solutions. NextTaylor Franklin's leadership ensures that The Franklin Group operates with maximum effectiveness and client satisfaction.

    Thomas Johnston - President, Development

    Thomas Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, spearheads initiatives focused on business expansion and new service development. Johnston directs strategies for identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities within the consumer finance and commercial finance markets. This leadership is crucial for evolving the firm's offerings and client base. The President, Development oversees the conceptualization and launch of new advisory services and strategic solutions. Thomas Johnston's role involves fostering innovation and exploring emerging trends in the finance industry. By driving development efforts, Johnston ensures The Franklin Group remains at the forefront of providing best-in-class advice. Thomas Johnston's vision guides the firm's proactive approach to market challenges and opportunities.
    Thomas Johnston

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, drives strategic growth and the expansion of the firm's service portfolio. Noel focuses on identifying and cultivating new avenues for business development, particularly within the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors. This leadership is essential for enhancing the firm's market reach and client engagement. The President, Development oversees the strategic planning and execution of initiatives aimed at creating innovative solutions. James Noel's expertise in market analysis informs the development of new advisory capabilities. By leading development efforts, James Noel ensures The Franklin Group consistently delivers cutting-edge strategic advice. Noel's commitment to progress fuels the firm's sustained success and industry influence.
    James Noel

    Charles Mixer - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Mixer, the Chief Information Officer at The Franklin Group, architects the firm's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Mixer oversees the implementation and management of all information systems, ensuring robust data security and operational efficiency. This role is crucial for supporting the advisory services delivered to consumer finance and commercial finance clients. The Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation, enabling the firm to provide advanced analytical tools and secure platforms for client data. Mixer's responsibilities include managing IT operations, cybersecurity protocols, and digital transformation initiatives. By optimizing technology resources, the Chief Information Officer enhances the firm's capacity to deliver comprehensive advice and strategic solutions. Charles Mixer's leadership ensures that The Franklin Group maintains a competitive technological edge in serving banks, specialty finance companies, and their investors.

    Heidi Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Heidi Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, oversees the administrative functions that support the firm's operations and strategic objectives. Harrison manages human resources, facilities, and general administration, ensuring a productive and efficient work environment. This role is essential for enabling the delivery of comprehensive advisory services to clients in the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors. The Chief Administrative Officer develops and implements policies and procedures that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. Heidi Harrison's focus on operational support ensures that all departments function cohesively. By managing administrative resources effectively, Harrison contributes to the firm's overall capacity to provide strategic solutions. Heidi Harrison's leadership ensures smooth internal operations, facilitating client success.

    Gloria Harrison - Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

    Gloria Harrison, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, enhances administrative operations and strategic support. Harrison focuses on optimizing departmental workflows and implementing best practices across administrative functions. This position is vital for reinforcing the firm's commitment to delivering expert advice within the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. The Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other leaders to ensure administrative alignment with company-wide goals. Gloria Harrison's role involves driving efficiency and effectiveness in support services. By refining administrative processes, Gloria Harrison contributes to the firm's ability to provide unparalleled strategic solutions. Gloria Harrison's dedication ensures operational excellence and client satisfaction.

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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 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 Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview, Chief Operating Officer, President, Development, President, Development.