Brendan Walsh will lead the development of Franklin Templeton’s multi-asset offering in the UK, which aims to exploit opportunities from the pensions freedoms.
Franklin Templeton currently manages $120bn (£91bn) globally in its multi-asset range. Walsh will report to Thomas Nelson, director of portfolio management for multi-asset solutions.
UK country head Martyn Gilbey (pictured) said multi-asset was an important and growing part of the market.
“Pension freedoms have given investors additional choice with their pension savings, presenting an opportunity for the industry to offer more flexible options for generating income to meet the needs of those approaching, or in retirement,” Gilbey said.
Aviva exit
Aviva Investors last month announced Walsh’s exit as part of a raft of changes involved in the restructure of its multi-asset range.
He was part of the AIMS Target Return Fund, which delivered its volatility pledge, but missed its return target by a large margin.
Dan James also exited the four-strong team with the pair to be replaced by Mark Robertson, who joins in September as head of multi-strategy funds, and James McAlevey, who was already a portfolio manager on AIMS Fixed Income.
Peter Fitzgerald, CIO multi-asset and macro, and Ian Pizer remain on the AIMS Targeted Return portfolio.
Walsh joins Franklin Templeton on 8 October.
