Don Hankey

Don Hankey is Chairman and primary stockholder of all Hankey Group entities, including Westlake Flooring.

Recognizing a critical need in the marketplace for auto purchasers with less-than-perfect credit, Don Hankey founded Westlake Financial in 1978. Through diligent customer service and the deployment of innovative technology, Westlake has grown to become a leader in the full spectrum auto financing solutions.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mr. Hankey completed his BA and post-graduate work at the University of Southern California in 1965. With a keen understanding of finance, he became Vice President of a major investment banking firm by the age of 27, which would later become part of UBS Paine Webber. With a family history in the automobile business, Mr. Hankey acquired Midway Ford in 1972. Under his leadership, the dealership flourished, and during the 1980s, additional dealerships, including Toyota of North Hollywood, were added to the Hankey portfolio. This expansion established a strong foothold in both the automotive retail and financial services industries.

Today, the Hankey Group of Companies consists of seven operating companies, with Westlake Financial as its flagship auto finance company. Mr. Hankey continues to lead Westlake’s growth, ensuring its strong market presence and commitment to innovation.

Mr. Hankey believes in leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation. Westlake integrates advanced automation, AI-driven technology, and a proprietary risk model to enhance decision-making and create sustainable growth strategies. These innovations enable Westlake to serve both dealers and customers with industry-leading efficiency, ensuring seamless financing solutions and high service levels. Under Mr. Hankey’s vision, Westlake continues to evolve, setting new benchmarks in automotive finance.