Martin Currie hires ex-MLC exec

Franklin Templeton Australia's active equity specialist investment manager has bolstered its distribution team with the appointment of Ross Kent as a client portfolio manager.

In this role, Kent will work closely with the Australian investment team to represent Martin Currie's suite of investment capabilities across the institutional and intermediary markets.

Kent joins from Bridge Impact Capital, where he worked with co-investors to fund infrastructure projects.

Before this, Kent was the head of strategic relationships at MLC Asset Management.

He also spent Dimensional Fund Advisors as an institutional regional director for Australia and New Zealand.

Kent also spent nearly 11 years at Alliance Bernstein Australia & NZ in several senior roles including chief executive.

"Ross has an outstanding track record in building client relationships and has great knowledge of the Australian market," said Martin Currie Australia investment chief Reece Birtles.

"We are delighted to have him join the team to further consolidate our presence in Australia and position ourselves as a leading active equity specialist for institutional and intermediary clients. Ross's experience makes him well-placed to support our efforts."

Kent commented that the local team has established a long-standing commitment to excellence in Australian equity investing with sustainable values.