Franklin Templeton appoints new head of Asia distribution
Tariq Ahmad to oversee strategy and execution of long-term growth strategy in the region.
Franklin Templeton has 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, Ahmad will provide executive oversight of sales, marketing and product strategy efforts across Asia (excluding Japan, India and mainland China). Leveraging his extensive experience, Ahmad will provide strategic direction on product innovation and customized investment solutions to cater to shifting client needs in Asia. Ahmad will also continue to support distribution efforts to deepen and enhance relationships with key Asian retail and institutional clients.
Ahmad previously served as Director, Head of Asia and CEO of Brandywine Global Investment Management (Asia) Pte. Ltd. At Brandywine Global (Asia), Ahmad 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, Ahmad will report to Vivek Kudva, Head of APAC Distribution. Kudva will continue to provide overall strategic direction and focus on growing, consolidating and diversifying Franklin Templeton’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, Ahmad’s appointment will further strengthen the company’s leadership team for future growth in the region.
Vivek Kudva, Head of APAC Distribution at Franklin Templeton, said: “Asia is an important strategic priority for us, and we are well positioned to capitalize on the diverse growth opportunities that exist across the region. I am confident that Tariq’s strong leadership, combined with the strength of our existing team, will enable us to unlock these opportunities while building synergies between our regional distribution, product and marketing teams to better serve our clients.”
Adam Spector, Global Head of Distribution at Franklin Templeton, added: “Tariq will be a great addition to our strong distribution leadership team in APAC, building on his experience at Brandywine Global where he has a proven record in developing strong relationships with key clients in the region. His appointment further underlines our commitment to this rapidly growing region.”
Tariq Ahmad, Head of Asia Distribution at Franklin Templeton, 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 maximizing 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.”
Ahmad’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). Ahmad will continue in an advisory role with Brandywine Global to ensure continuity.
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