The Franklin Group Executive and Leadership Team

May, 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 across the consumer finance and commercial finance sectors, leveraging deep financial sophistication 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 - Christopher Pierson
  • 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 firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Franklin guides the company's advisory services, ensuring alignment with client needs in the consumer finance and commercial finance industries. This leadership role involves cultivating key client relationships and expanding the firm's market presence. Franklin's financial sophistication and operating experience are central to delivering best-in-class advice. Overseeing all major initiatives, Taylor Franklin drives the company's growth and reinforces its position as a premier advisory firm. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation and maintaining the highest standards of client service across all engagements.

    Michael Chester - Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview

    Michael Chester, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview at The Franklin Group, directs the financial operations and strategic financial planning for the Westview division. Chester oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal health and compliance. This role is essential for supporting the firm's advisory services and investment strategies within the consumer and commercial finance sectors. Michael Chester's financial acumen is critical for guiding investment decisions and optimizing financial performance. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Westview's responsibilities include managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for profitable growth. Chester's leadership ensures robust financial oversight across all divisional activities.

    Christopher Pierson - Chief Operating Officer

    Christopher Pierson, the Chief Operating Officer at The Franklin Group, manages the day-to-day operational activities and ensures efficient service delivery. Pierson oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives across the firm, focusing on optimizing internal processes and resource allocation. This role is critical for maintaining the high quality of advice provided to banks, specialty finance companies, and investors. Christopher Pierson's responsibilities include enhancing operational workflows and supporting the firm's expansion efforts. The Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless integration of financial sophistication and operating experience into client solutions. By driving operational excellence, Pierson directly contributes to the firm's ability to offer comprehensive and strategic advice.
    Christopher Pierson

    James Noel - President, Development

    James Noel, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, spearheads the firm's strategic development initiatives and new venture creation. Noel focuses on identifying and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the consumer finance and commercial finance markets. This leadership position involves driving innovation and expanding the firm's service offerings to meet evolving client needs. James Noel's expertise in market analysis and business expansion is key to the company's growth trajectory. The President, Development's mandate includes fostering strategic partnerships and exploring new avenues for service delivery. Noel's vision guides the development of future business lines for The Franklin Group.
    James Noel

    Thomas Johnston - President, Development

    Thomas Johnston, the President, Development at The Franklin Group, drives the expansion and enhancement of the firm's development projects and strategic growth areas. Johnston collaborates with leadership to identify and implement new service models and market penetration strategies. This role is critical for ensuring The Franklin Group remains at the forefront of advisory services in the finance industry. Thomas Johnston's focus on strategic foresight and execution supports the firm's long-term objectives. The President, Development's responsibilities include overseeing the lifecycle of new development initiatives from conception to market launch. Johnston's leadership ensures sustained innovation and market relevance for The Franklin Group.
    Thomas Johnston

    Charles Mixer - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Mixer, the Chief Information Officer at The Franklin Group, leads the firm's technology strategy and infrastructure development. Mixer ensures that all information systems support the company's advisory services and client engagement needs. This involves managing data security, implementing innovative technological solutions, and optimizing IT resources to enhance operational efficiency. Charles Mixer's expertise is vital for maintaining the firm's competitive edge in the advisory sector. The Chief Information Officer's focus extends to leveraging technology to provide clients with advanced strategic solutions. By overseeing the technological backbone, Mixer enables The Franklin Group to deliver sophisticated advice effectively and securely.

    Heidi Harrison - Chief Administrative Officer

    Heidi Harrison, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Franklin Group, oversees the comprehensive administrative functions that support the firm's operations and client services. Harrison manages human resources, facilities, and general corporate administration, ensuring a productive and well-supported work environment. This role is crucial for enabling the advisory teams to focus on delivering expert financial and strategic solutions. Heidi Harrison's efforts streamline internal processes and enhance overall organizational effectiveness. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include fostering a positive corporate culture and ensuring compliance with administrative regulations. Harrison's leadership ensures that The Franklin Group operates with maximum efficiency and organizational integrity.

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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, Development, President, Development.