Legg Mason product lead takes up new role with Franklin Templeton

John Besley
JOHN BESLEY
Franklin Templeton Australia Limited - Head of Product
DEPARTURE
Legg Mason Asset Management Australia Limited
LEGG MASON ASSET MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Date: November 2020
Position: Head of Product and Client Operations
APPOINTMENT
Franklin Templeton Australia Limited
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Date: November 2020
Position: Head of Product

Former Legg Mason head of product, John Besley, has taken a role as regional product strategy director with Franklin Templeton.

Franklin Templeton completed its acquisition of Legg Mason earlier this year.

Besley held several roles with Legg Mason during his more than seven years with the organisation, including client service and distribution support manager and product management director. He also spent several years with Antares Equities as manager of product and communication and was an investment analyst with Lonsec and Forte Investment Advisors.

Besley's appointment comes as Franklin Templeton reshuffle its distribution leadership team to incorporate staff from Legg Mason.

"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."

Former Legg Mason head of marketing Felicity Nicholson is continuing in her role with Franklin Templeton and Felicity Walsh has had her role expanded to be head of sales for both the institutional and retail sales teams.