Martin Currie, the global active equity specialist headquartered in Edinburgh that is part of the Franklin Templeton group, has bolstered its distribution team with the appointment of Mark Elliott as Head of UK Business Development.

Martin Currie had $21.5 billion of assets under management at June 30, 2022, while Franklin Templeton manages about $1.5 trillion.

“Mark will partner closely with Franklin Templeton’s UK sales team to strategically develop its business in the UK retail market across its UK ICVC range, sub-advisory relationships, institutional accounts and closed end funds,” said Martin Currie.

“The newly created role reflects the importance of Martin Currie to Franklin Templeton’s UK’s growth ambitions.

“Mark is hugely experienced in UK retail market, and joins Martin Currie from Franklin Templeton, where most recently he was Head of Strategic Accounts.

“Prior to this, he held a number of roles at Blackrock including European Strategy and Head of UK Sales during his decade with them.

“His 35+ years in UK Financial Services also include 5 years with Lazard Asset Management and 12 years with National IFA, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes in various advisory and management roles.”

Martin Currie Global Head of Distribution Mel Bucher said: “UK retail is a critical market for our future growth and Martin Currie is integral to Franklin Templeton’s plan to grow in the UK retail market.

“We are delighted to have him join the team to further consolidate our presence in the UK and position ourselves as a leading active equity specialist for institutional and intermediary clients.

“Mark’s experience makes him well-placed to support our efforts.”