Franklin Templeton announces local distribution team
Franklin Templeton Australia has announced its new senior distribution leadership team, following the acquisition of Legg Mason.
The acquisition was completed on 31 July, 2020. The new Franklin Templeton Australia distribution leadership team included:
- Felicity Walsh would expand her role as head of sales, to lead both the institutional and retail sales teams;
- Amy Teh would continue in her role as head of investment and consultants;
- Louise Farmakis would continue in her role as head of client service;
- John Besley, formerly head of product and client operations at Legg Mason, would take up the new role of head of product;
- Felicity Nicholson, formerly of Legg Mason, continued in her role as head of marketing; and
- Serg Premier continued in his role as managing director ifsinvest.
Matthew Harrison, Franklin Templeton Australia and New Zealand managing director, 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,” Harrison said.
“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.”
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,” Harrison said.
“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.”
Franklin Templeton signalled 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,” Harrison said.
“Global scale and reach are important, but this becomes even more powerful when combined with local market insights and expertise.”
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