Franklin Templeton appoints Rene Buehlmann as Head of Asia Pacific
Franklin Templeton, a leading global asset manager, has announced the appointment1 of Rene Buehlmann as Head of Asia Pacific, effective September 21, 2026, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to one of its most important growth regions.
In his role, Buehlmann will lead Franklin Templeton’s business across the diverse Asia Pacific region, spending time across all markets. He will oversee the firm’s strategic growth initiatives, client engagement and business development efforts. With over 2,600 employees across Asia Pacific, Franklin Templeton maintains a strong regional presence spanning Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Australia, and other markets.
Buehlmann has lived and worked across Switzerland, the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore and brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across wealth management, asset management and banking. He most recently advised KKR on the assessment of strategic acquisition opportunities in the wealth and asset management industry. Prior to that, he served as Global Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen Investments, where he led the firm’s global investment business while also overseeing the Asia Pacific region. Before joining Aberdeen Investments, he spent nearly three decades at UBS, including 15 years in Asia Pacific, holding senior wealth and asset management leadership roles, including Head of Asset Management Asia Pacific and a seat on the regional Executive Committee.
“The appointment of Rene reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to growing our leadership team and investing in Asia Pacific,” said Daniel Gamba, Co-President and Chief Commercial Officer, Franklin Templeton. “Rene is a highly respected industry leader with deep client relationships, extensive regional experience and a proven track record of building high-performing teams and delivering growth. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our capabilities and strengthen our partnerships with clients across the region.”
“I am delighted to join Franklin Templeton and lead the Asia Pacific business at such an exciting time for the firm and the region,” said Rene Buehlmann, Head of Asia Pacific, Franklin Templeton. “Franklin Templeton has built a highly differentiated global platform, further strengthened in recent years through the expansion of its ETF, private markets and digital asset capabilities. Asia Pacific offers tremendous growth opportunities, and I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen client relationships, deliver the full breadth of our platform across the region, and help investors achieve their long-term financial goals.”
Buehlmann is a passionate advocate for talent development and leadership. Having lived and worked across four continents, he champions cultural diversity and inclusive leadership. He is recognized for building high-performing teams and creating environments where individuals can reach their full potential.
He holds a TRIUM Global Executive MBA jointly awarded by New York University, the London School of Economics and HEC Paris. He is a Swiss-certified banking expert with a Federal Diploma and has completed executive programs at IMD and Columbia Business School.
