Franklin Templeton appoints head of product and strategy


The global investment management firm has welcomed Benjamin Abell as its Australian head of product and strategy.
Abell was formerly executive director of superannuation and strategy at Colonial First State, where he also held other senior roles in product and distribution across his 15-year career with the firm.
He would join the Franklin Templeton leadership team in the Australian region to support the firm’s growth and investment product strategy.
The role would also include evaluating the current investment range alongside identifying gaps in the market to bring new funds to Australian investors.
Felicity Walsh, managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand at Franklin Templeton, welcomed Abell during a time of business expansion.
“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,” she said.
“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,” Walsh continued.
In consideration of his appointment, Abell commented: “I am excited to join Franklin Templeton and be part of its proud 35-year history of partnering with Australian clients.
“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,” he added.
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