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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Felicity Nicholson

Global funds management firm, Legg Mason, has announced the appointment of Felicity Nicholson as the firm’s head of Head of Marketing in Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting to Managing Director, Andy Sowerby, Nicholson will be responsible for the strategic marketing and communications programs for Legg Mason and its affiliates across Australia and New Zealand.

Nicholson joins Legg Mason from Hastings Asset Management where she was hired in 2013 as Head of Marketing to lead the strategic and operational marketing for the firm. There she was responsible for brand management as well as developing and executing the global marketing and communications strategy.

Commenting on Nicholson’s appointment, Andy Sowerby, Managing Director Legg Mason Australia said; “With extensive experience in global funds management, Felicity is the ideal person to lead and further develop the marketing and communications activity for Legg Mason and its affiliates across Australia and New Zealand.”

“Her deep understanding of needs and perspectives of clients and the broader funds management industry as well as her proven strategic leadership will be a significant asset to our team,” said Sowerby.

Speaking about her appointment Nicholson commented; “I am delighted to join the Legg Mason team. The firm has established a range of proven investment solutions that meet client needs. I am excited to work with this team to increase the understanding of what we have to offer to investors across the Australian equity and bond strategies alongside global equity, global bond and multi-asset offerings”.

“Legg Mason’s investment affiliates, including Western Asset, Brandywine Global, QS Investors and Martin Currie are all well regarded for product innovation and relevance to Australian investors,” she said.

Nicholson has also worked at MLC as Head of Marketing – platforms and investments, and advice (both retail and institutional) which gives her deep understanding of the industry.

Nicholson’s early career focused on marketing of direct consumer brands and intermediated retail financial services brands including CFS, Suncorp, and Skandia.

Legg Mason’s business model involves nine separate active funds management firms encompassing the full range of asset classes and styles. Total assets under management were US$710.4 billion as at the end of December 2017.

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