Franklin Templeton names new APAC head

Franklin Templeton has appointed the former global chief of Aberdeen Investments to a lead role in its Asia-Pacific business.

Rene Buehlmann is the new head of Asia Pacific and will start his role late next month (September 21).

As APAC head, Buehlmann will oversee the group's strategic growth initiatives, client engagement and business development efforts.

Franklin Templeton has over 2,600 employees in the region with presence in Australia as well as in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea and other markets.

"Rene is a highly respected industry leader with deep client relationships, extensive regional experience and a proven track record of building high-performing teams and delivering growth. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our capabilities and strengthen our partnerships with clients across the region," said Danial Gamba, co-president and chief commercial officer, in the company announcement.

Buehlmann brings with him more than three decades of leadership experience across wealth management, asset management and banking. He had served as global chief executive officer of Aberdeen Investments, where he led the firm's global investment business while also overseeing the Asia Pacific region.

Before joining Aberdeen Investments, he spent nearly three decades at UBS, including 15 years in Asia Pacific, holding senior wealth and asset management leadership roles, including head of asset management Asia Pacific and a seat on the regional executive committee.

"I am delighted to join Franklin Templeton and lead the Asia Pacific business at such an exciting time for the firm and the region," said Buehlmann.

"I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen client relationships, deliver the full breadth of our platform across the region, and help investors achieve their long-term financial goals."

According to Rainmaker research, Franklin Templeton manages more than $33 billion in Australian-sourced FUM as at March this year. The local business is headed by Felicity Walsh, managing director, head of Australia and New Zealand.