Franklin Templeton has appointed Benjamin Abell to head of product and strategy for the Australian region, where he will oversee product strategy with oversight across the firm’s current investment range.
Mr Abell will additionally determine gaps in the market to bring new funds and capabilities to Australian investors.
He joins the leadership team after 15 years with Colonial First State across a number of senior roles in product and distribution, most recently as executive director of superannuation and strategy.
“I am very pleased to have Ben join my leadership team at Franklin Templeton. He joins at a time when we are expanding our business through the addition of investment teams across an array of asset classes, in particular in the alternatives space,” commented Franklin Templeton’s managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand, Felicity Walsh.
“We are working collaboratively with clients across market segments to build solutions to meet their objectives and Ben’s knowledge of the advice market leadership skills and strategic thinking provides us with valuable experience to keep pace with our clients’ needs,” Ms Walsh continued.
Mr Abell added that he is “excited to join Franklin Templeton and be part of its proud 35-year history of partnering with Australian clients”.
“The firm is highly regarded in the market and is recognised for the scale, experience, resources, and choice it provides investors across retail, wholesale, and institutional markets,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with the firm’s specialist investment managers, who are acknowledged in the Australian market for their focus on helping clients diversify exposures, manage risk, access liquidity, and deploy innovative income strategies.
