Franklin Templeton has announced the promotion of current head of sales Felicity Walsh to the role of managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand.
From 1 August, Ms Walsh will provide executive oversight of the firm’s sales, marketing, client services and product strategy in the new role.
“Felicity brings with her a wealth of experience working with various client segments,” commented Franklin Templeton co-head of APAC Matt Harrison.
“Australia and New Zealand are key markets for Franklin Templeton, not just for the APAC region but globally. Felicity and her team will have a key role to play as we continue to expand our business in a market that is set for exponential growth.”
Ms Walsh joined Franklin Templeton in 2015 as MD of its hedge fund specialist investment team K2 Advisors before becoming head of sales for Franklin Templeton Australia and New Zealand.
She previously spent 11 years at Towers Watson (now Willis Towers Watson) in the UK and Australia working with some of the world’s largest pension fund and superannuation funds.
“I feel extremely privileged to receive these added responsibilities and to have the opportunity to drive the future growth of our business in Australia and New Zealand,” Ms Walsh said on her appointment.
“We will continue to put clients at the centre of everything we do and will remain focused on delivering better client outcomes by providing a truly diverse suite of high-calibre, active investment capabilities, global connections, and local insights.”
In her new role, Franklin Templeton said that Ms Walsh would provide strategic direction on business strategy, product innovation and customised investment solutions.
She will also continue to assume direct client responsibilities in Australia and New Zealand, and act as key conduit to the local and global investment teams.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead our well-established and experienced team,” Ms Walsh said.
“We are well positioned to meet a variety of challenges in our industry through our breadth of world-class, specialised investment managers with expertise across asset classes, geographies, and investment vehicles.”
