The new Franklin Templeton Australia distribution leadership team includes:

• Felicity Walsh expands her role as Head of Sales, to lead both the institutional and retail sales teams
• Amy Teh continues in her role as Head of Investment & Consultants
• Louise Farmakis continues in her role as Head of Client Service
• John Besley, formerly Head of Product and Client Operations at Legg Mason, takes up the new role of Head of Product
• Felicity Nicholson, formerly Legg Mason, continues in her role as Head of Marketing
• Serg Premier continues in his role as Managing Director ifsinvest

These announcements follow Franklin Templeton’s recent acquisition of Legg Mason which was completed on 31 July 2020. The acquisition established Franklin Templeton as one of the world’s largest, independent, specialised global investment managers, with US$1.4 trillion in assets under management (AUM) across one of the broadest ranges of high-quality investment teams in the industry.

Matthew Harrison, Managing Director, Franklin Templeton Australia and New Zealand said the new structure was an important part of the combined entity’s next phase of growth.

“I am excited by the opportunities ahead, and firmly believe we have a strong foundation from which we can drive further success for our valued clients. We remain focused on delivering better client outcomes by providing a truly diverse suite of high calibre active investment capabilities, global connections and local insights with a focus on innovation.”

Mr Harrison said challenges posed by the external environment, combined with the relentless pace of industry change, meant it was crucial to adapt and transform.

“We must respond quickly and innovatively to the changing demands of our clients and of the industry. With this new team in place we are well positioned to meet these demands, backed by an unmatched collection of world-class specialised investment managers, with expertise across asset classes, investment vehicles and geographies.”

Australia – a priority market

Franklin Templeton has signaled Australia as one of its three focus markets, alongside the UK and Japan.

“Australia has always been an essential market for Franklin Templeton – not just due to its size, but as a market that is mature and transparent, it provides fertile ground for learning and improvement, with lessons that can be shared globally, particularly around our world-class retirement system. Global scale and reach are important, but this becomes even more powerful when combined with local market insights and expertise,” Mr Harrison said.

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