Franklin Templeton shakes up distribution strategy following Legg Mason acquisition

Franklin Templeton Australia has appointed Felicity Walsh as its head of sales, leading both the institutional and retail sales, following a shuffle of its distribution leadership team.

Walsh joined Franklin Templeton just over two years ago as head of institutional and alternatives. Before moving to the prime Franklin Templeton brand, Walsh was the managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand for the organisation's K2 Advisors. She also spent time as an investment consultant with Towers Watson.

The moves come on the back of the completion of Franklin Templeton's acquisition of Legg Mason earlier in the year.

"I am excited by the opportunities ahead, and firmly believe we have a strong foundation from which we can drive further success for our valued clients," said Franklin Templeton Australia and New Zealand managing director Matthew Harrison. "We remain focused on delivering better client outcomes by providing a truly diverse suite of high calibre active investment capabilities, global connections and local insights with a focus on innovation."

Other changes include John Besley, formerly head of product and client operations at Legg Mason, being named head of product and Felicity Nicholson being named head of marketing, the same role she held at Legg Mason.