Franklin Templeton has appointed Rene Buehlmann as Head of Asia Pacific, with the veteran wealth and asset management executive set to take charge of the investment firm’s business across the region from September 21, 2026.
Buehlmann will oversee the firm’s strategic growth, client engagement and business development across Asia Pacific, which includes markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea and Australia. Franklin Templeton has more than 2,600 employees across the region.
The appointment brings more than 35 years of experience in wealth management, asset management and banking to the role. Buehlmann most recently advised KKR on strategic acquisition opportunities in the wealth and asset management industry.
Before that, he was Global Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen Investments, where he led its global investment business and oversaw the Asia Pacific region. He also spent nearly three decades at UBS, including 15 years in Asia Pacific, where he held senior wealth and asset management positions.
“I am delighted to join Franklin Templeton and lead the Asia Pacific business at such an exciting time for the firm and the region,” said Buehlmann.
He added that Asia Pacific offers “tremendous growth opportunities” and said he looked forward to deepening client relationships and delivering the firm’s wider platform across the region.
Franklin Templeton Co-President and Chief Commercial Officer Daniel Gamba said Buehlmann’s regional experience and client relationships would be instrumental in expanding the firm’s capabilities and partnerships across Asia Pacific.
