Franklin Templeton has announced the appointment of Thakshi Wijesundara as senior institutional business director, adding more than a decade of experience in business development and consultant relations to the firm.
Ms Wijesundara joins the investment manager from Northern Trust, where she has spent the last three years as head of distribution for Australia and New Zealand, focused on its quantitative equity platform.
Before this, she held senior and institutional investment positions, including at Dimensional Fund Advisors as a regional director in its global client business covering institutional clients.
Ms Wijesundara’s experience also encompasses analytical and quantitative roles at Blackrock and IFM Investors.
Franklin Templeton’s managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand, Felicity Walsh, said the firm’s latest appointment signifies its focus on further cementing its presence in the institutional sector.
“Thakshi is widely respected in this market and has deep knowledge of the client base. She will work closely with our team of investment specialists to represent our diverse equity, alternatives, multi-asset and fixed income offerings,” Ms Walsh commented.
“She brings great experience in the institutional market, and we are excited to have her join the team to further build our institutional sales and client relationship efforts.”
Ms Wijesundara added: “I look forward to continuing to expand my involvement with Australian institutional investors and I am excited by the prospect of representing the comprehensive range of investment strategies offered by one of the most respected names in the industry.
“Franklin Templeton’s welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture across its global and diverse business is what really makes this firm stand out amongst peers in today’s environment.”
According to Northern Trust, Ms Wijesundara holds a bachelor of business information systems (accounting) from Deakin University.
As of 30 June 2023, Franklin Templeton had approximately $2.1 trillion in assets under management, with offices in more than 30 countries.
