Global asset manager Franklin Templeton appointed Rene Buehlmann as its new head of Asia Pacific, effective Sept. 21, as the firm seeks to strengthen its presence in the region, the company said Wednesday. Buehlmann will oversee the firm's Asia-Pacific business, including its strategic growth plans, client relationships and business development. Franklin Templeton has more than 2,600 employees across the region and operates in major markets including Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Australia. Buehlmann said he was pleased to take on the role, which he said is important for both Franklin Templeton and the Asia-Pacific region. "Franklin Templeton has built an increasingly differentiated global platform in recent years by expanding its capabilities in exchange-traded funds, private markets and digital assets. The Asia-Pacific region offers significant growth opportunities, and I look forward to working with the firm’s talented teams across the region to deepen our relationships with clients," Buehlmann said. "We will bring Franklin Templeton's broad