Martin Currie appoints UK equity heads; Morton retires

Franklin Templeton’s Edinburgh-based active equity asset management specialist Martin Currie announced that Ben Russon and Richard Bullas will co-head Martin Currie’s UK Equity team effective October 1, 2022.

Both will report into Michael Browne, global head of investment strategy and oversight at Martin Currie.

In addition, Colin Morton has informed the firm that he will retire from the investment management industry effective December 31, 2022.

Martin Currie’s UK Equity team is based in Leeds and manages £4.5 billion in UK shares.

Browne said: “These promotions are in recognition of Ben and Richard’s long-term and successful individual contributions to the growth of the UK Equity team.

“They demonstrate Martin Currie’s commitment to develop leadership talent in line with a thoughtful and strategic succession plan.

“Both Ben and Richard have added significant and meaningful value to the team over the years and, in their new roles, will continue to work closely and collaboratively to co-head the UK Equity team.”

In his expanded role, Russon will now lead the focus on UK large caps and will oversee portfolio managers Jo Rands and Will Bradwell.

Meanwhile, Bullas will continue to lead on UK small and mid-caps and he will oversee portfolio managers Dan Green and Marcus Tregoning as well as investment analyst Courtney Westcarr.

Morton has spent over 39 years working in the UK investment management industry and has been with the firm since 2011.

Martyn Gilbey, UK Country Head at Franklin Templeton, said: “Franklin Templeton and Martin Currie are deeply appreciative of Colin’s leadership and his decades of service, commitment and dedication to the firm.

“We send him our very best wishes in his well-deserved retirement.

“Colin will continue to work closely with the team to fully transition his fund management responsibilities over the coming months.

“Under Ben’s leadership, there will be no changes to any of the funds’ investment philosophy or process.”