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LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
D
Global Rank
#441

Image: Ollivant, Alfred, 1874-1927 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Don Hankey

CEO, Auto loans
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$8.152B
Estimated based on Auto loans stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
82
Source
Auto loans
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Don Hankey, the 82-year-old chairman of the Hankey Group, has built an impressive empire in the automotive and financial sectors. His wealth source stems from auto loans, specifically subprime auto lending through Westlake Financial Services. Hankey's career began in 1972 when he took over his father's Ford dealership, which he transformed into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. He is known for his sharp business acumen, building the Hankey Group into a company with a strong market presence and commitment to innovation. Hankey's net worth is estimated at $8.2 billion, reflecting his success in the finance and investment industries.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Don Robert Hankey was born on June 13, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree. During his time at USC, Hankey developed a strong understanding of finance.

Rise to Success

Hankey's career took off in 1972 when he took over his family's struggling Ford dealership. Recognizing an opportunity, he shifted focus to providing auto loans to individuals with poor credit, which became the foundation of his wealth. In 1978, he founded Westlake Financial Services, which grew to be a leader in the subprime auto loan market. Under Hankey's leadership, the Hankey Group expanded to encompass seven operating companies specializing in automotive, finance, technology, real estate, and insurance.

Key Business Strategies

Hankey is known for his strict business principles, including aiming for a 30% pretax return on equity and 20% revenue growth annually. The Hankey Group has maintained a strong market presence through innovation and leveraging cutting-edge technology. The company has shown a dedication to serving the market with high efficiency.

Philanthropy

Don Hankey has a foundation, the Hankey Foundation, which he launched with his wife, Debbie. The foundation had $72 million in assets as of 2022.

Career Milestones

1965

Graduated from University of Southern California

Completed his Bachelor of Arts and post-graduate work, developing a keen understanding of finance.

1972

Acquired Midway Ford Dealership

Took over his family's Ford dealership, which became the foundation for the Hankey Group.

1978

Founded Westlake Financial Services

Established a company specializing in subprime auto loans, which has grown to be a leader in the industry.

1982

Founded Hankey Investment Company

Started the investment company to invest in Los Angeles real estate.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charitable Giving

Hankey Foundation

$72M

Launched with his wife Debbie. The foundation's assets were valued at $72 million as of 2022.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"What I take pride in is having profitable companies."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Returns

Hankey's businesses aim to achieve a 30% pretax return on equity and 20% revenue growth annually.

Technological Innovation

Leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and efficiency in operations.

Controversies & Challenges

2015

Westlake Financial Fined

Westlake Financial was ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to provide $44.1 million in consumer relief for illegal debt collection practices.

2020

Son's Civil Lawsuit

Don Hankey Jr., was named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit involving allegations including sex trafficking and sexual assault. The case was dismissed in 2024 without any settlement paid.

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