Franklin Templeton appoints new head of Asia distribution
KUCHING: Franklin Templeton announced the appointment of Tariq Ahmad as head of Asia distribution. Since 2017, he had served as a leader of Brandywine Global Investment Management (Brandywine Global), a specialist investment manager of Franklin Templeton.
In his new role with Franklin Templeton, Tariq will provide executive oversight of sales, marketing and product strategy efforts across Asia (excluding Japan, India and mainland China).
Leveraging his extensive experience, Tariq will provide strategic direction on product innovation and customised investment solutions to cater to shifting client needs in Asia. He will also continue to support distribution efforts to deepen and enhance relationships with key Asian retail and institutional clients.
Tariq previously served as director, head of Asia and chief executive officer of Brandywine Global Investment Management (Asia) Pte. Ltd. At Brandywine Global (Asia), he was responsible for establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with clients and consultants based in Asia. With more than 18 years of experience, he is an industry veteran with a successful track record of leading investment businesses in Asia.
Based in Singapore, Tariq will report to Vivek Kudva, head of APAC distribution. Kudva will continue to provide overall strategic direction and focus on growing, consolidating and diversifyingFranklinTempleton’s business by geography, client type and strategy in the Asia Pacific region.
Following its landmark acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020, Franklin Templeton
established a new regionalized distribution model with the goal of heightening responsiveness to opportunities at the local level.
In support of scaling and driving Franklin Templeton’s rapidly growing Asia business, this appointment will further strengthen the company’s leadership team for future growth in the region.
Tariq said: “I am excited to take on a role in which I can impact change and drive results, strengthening our business in the region and enhancing our distribution channels. Asia has the fastest growing pool of assets, and we will focus on maximising opportunities to ensure that Franklin Templeton is well positioned and becomes the go-to partner for our clients.
“The acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020 has given Franklin Templeton an increased competitive advantage in the Asia market, greatly expanding our product offerings for clients. I look forward to working with the experienced leadership team to continue to deliver the exceptional service our clients in Asia expect from us.”
Tariq’s current role as CEO of Brandywine Global (Asia) will be assumed by John Tsao, director at Brandywine Global and former CEO of Brandywine Global (Asia). Tariq will continue in an advisory role with Brandywine Global to ensure continuity.