Franklin Templeton names new Managing Director for Australia

Franklin Templeton has confirmed the appointment of Matthew Harrison as managing director of Franklin Templeton Investments Australia, effective 15 January 2018.

In this role, based in Sydney, Harrison will be responsible for leading and managing the firm's Australian and New Zealand business growth, overseeing the local distribution teams and developing business strategies. He will report to Mark Browning, managing director for Asia Pacific based in Singapore.

Harrison will join from Colonial First State (CFS) where he currently holds the role of general manager, distribution. He first joined CFS in 2009 and was promoted to his most recent role in July 2014.

Harrison is set to replace current managing director, Maria Wilton, who will transition into a new role within the firm. A spokesperson for Franklin Templeton confirmed that more information will be released when the details are finalised.

At Colonial First State Harrison has been replaced by Peter Chun who takes on the role effective immediately. Harrison will remain as general manager, distribution, alongside Chun, until November 2017 to ensure for a smooth transition.