Franklin Templeton has appointed Joe Marassa to the newly created role of head of marketing for its Australian business, as part of the firm's push into the retail market.

Based in Sydney, Marassa will focus on the delivery and execution of the overall marketing and communications strategy for Franklin Templeton's Australian business with a major focus on broadening the firm's local brand presence.

The appointment is part of the ongoing expansion of Franklin Templeton's business in Australia and follows several other key appointments announced in recent months, part of the firm's plans to extend further into the retail market.

Marassa has more than 15 years' financial services experience across both the institutional and retail market segments, having previously held senior marketing roles at Colonial First State, Commonwealth Bank and most recently, as head of marketing for ING Investment Management.

"Franklin Templeton is pleased to announce Joe's addition to our growing business in Australia," said Franklin Templeton Investments Australia managing director Maria Wilton.

"This appointment is another important step in our broader plans to expand our distribution and marketing efforts and Joe's diverse background and experience across both the institutional and retail markets will prove valuable to the delivery of our strategy," she said.