Franklin overseas the business operations of some of the world’s most famous trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman, Belmond British Pullman as well as luxury river cruises in Myanmar and luxury barges, Belmond Afloat in France and has been with the company for 25 years.
Born in the UK and raised in New Zealand, Franklin joined the company in 1995 on a 3 month assignment in the accounting department – some twenty five years later he is now at the helm of one of the most unique and diverse international collections of luxury trains and cruises.

Franklin overseas the business operations of some of the world’s most famous trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman, Belmond British Pullman as well as luxury river cruises in Myanmar and luxury barges, Belmond Afloat in France.

Prior to joining Belmond, Franklin qualified as a chartered accountant in New Zealand and held various roles at hotel companies and his national airline, Air New Zealand, before moving across to the UK in the early 1990s.

Throughout his 25 year career with the company, he has been involved in the growth and development of the business including the acquisition of Belmond Royal Scotsman and Belmond Afloat in France.