Franklin Templeton realigns distribution leadership teams across Americas (Ex-Us), Europe and the UK

London, 21 May 2024 – Franklin Templeton¹ today announced that it is realigning its distribution leadership teams to deliver on local client needs while continuing to optimise its businesses for future growth opportunities.  Effective today, the firm’s businesses in Americas (ex-US), Europe and the UK will combine under the leadership of London-based Matt Harrison who has been named Head of Americas (ex-US), Europe & UK, Global Advisory Services. He continues to report to Adam Spector, EVP, Global Advisory Services.  

The combined region includes several markets such as Canada, Germany, Iberia, Italy, Latin America, and the UK representing $ 245 billion² in assets under management.  

Spector commented: "In recent years, we've substantially expanded our investment capabilities, strengthening our value proposition for our clients. Our extensive global presence continues to be a competitive advantage, reinforcing our commitment to and confidence in local markets. From a leadership perspective, Harrison, Ashton and Villegas have proven track-records at the firm, and I am delighted to see them assume new responsibilities.”

Harrison has held several leadership roles including Head of Europe and UK and co-Head of APAC and Managing Director of Australia since joining Franklin Templeton in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in senior roles at various firms including Colonial First State, Commonwealth Bank and ING.  He has over 25 years of experience within the financial services industry and has developed client relationships across multiple markets including Asia, Australia, Europe, India, Japan, and the UK.

As part of the leadership changes, Andrew Ashton has been named Head of UK and will continue his responsibilities as Chairman of the Board of Franklin Templeton Canada. Effective 1 August 2024, he will report to Harrison and will relocate to London to assume responsibility for the UK business subject to regulatory approval.  Under his expanded remit, he continues to be responsible for Canada which coupled with the UK collectively represent $ 76 billion² in assets under management. Prior to his new role, he served as Head of Americas (ex-US) and Head of Global Financial Institutions group at Franklin Templeton.  Ashton has extensive global experience, having held several leadership roles in the US and the Americas region, CEEMEA, Korea, and the UK since joining the firm in 1997.  He has over 25 years of experience in the asset management industry.

In Europe, following the success that he has driven in Iberia, Madrid-based Javier Villegas has been named Head of Iberia and Latin America, Global Advisory Services, effective 1 October 2024.  The expanded Iberia and Latin America region represents $ 77 billion² in assets under management.  The region includes oversight for Americas Offshore, Brazil, Central America, Iberia, and South America.  Villegas held several leadership roles in the firm including Director of Global Financial Institutions in the Americas and most recently as Head of Iberia where he provided strategic leadership direction for that region.  Prior to joining Franklin Templeton in 2005, he worked at Santander Private Banking as a private banker.  Villegas has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

In addition to the new appointments, London-based Martyn Gilbey, Head of UK, will depart the firm effective 1 October 2024 after seven years at the firm.  Franklin Templeton thanks Gilbey for his contributions throughout his tenure at the firm.

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Contacts:

Dorine Johnson Head of Corporate Communications EMEA Franklin Templeton Tel: +44 7919532079 Email:[email protected]

Josh Sarson Managing Director, Strategic Communications FTI Consulting Tel: +44 755 499 1072 Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

About Franklin Templeton

1. Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of April 30, 2024. For more information, please visit www.franklintempleton.co.uk.
2. Source: Franklin Templeton.  Data as of 31 March 2024.

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