Franklin Templeton Puts a Well-Known Swiss Executive in Charge of its Asia Business
The global asset manager is strengthening its leadership team in Asia by appointing a long-serving UBS executive and former Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen Investments.
As Franklin Templeton announced on Thursday, Swiss executive Rene Buehlmann will assume responsibility for the firm’s Asia Pacific business on September 21.
In his new role, Buehlmann will be responsible for the company’s growth strategy across the region, as well as client engagement and business development. According to Franklin Templeton, the firm employs more than, 2’600 people across Asia Pacific and has a presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia and other markets.
Experience at UBS and Aberdeen
Buehlmann has more than 35 years of experience in wealth management, asset management and banking. Most recently, he advised the US investment firm KKR on strategic acquisition opportunities in the wealth and asset management industry. Before that, he served as Global Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen Investments, where he oversaw the firm’s global investment business while also leading the Asia Pacific region.
However, Buehlmann spent the largest part of his career at UBS. During nearly three decades with the Swiss bank, he held a range of senior leadership positions, including 15 years in Asia. Among other responsibilities, he headed Asset Management Asia Pacific and served on the regional Executive Committee.
Focus on Asia’s Growth Potential
With Buehlmann’s appointment, Franklin Templeton said it intends to further strengthen its leadership structure and expand its presence in one of its strategically important growth regions. «Rene’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our leadership team and investing in Asia Pacific,» said Daniel Gamba, Co-President and Chief Commercial Officer of Franklin Templeton.
Buehlmann highlighted the region’s potential, saying: «Asia Pacific offers tremendous growth opportunities. I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen client relationships and help investors achieve their long-term financial goals.»