The Board of Franklin Global Trust has announced an update relating to investment management arrangements following the recent announcement by Franklin Templeton that the Martin Currie brand will retire in 2025.
The statement also announces that California-based Jonathan Curtis, Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Equity Group (FEG), will join as co-portfolio manager of the Company alongside the current portfolio manager, Zehrid Osmani.
This appointment will enhance the connection between Zehrid’s investment team located in the UK, and the Franklin Equity Group team located across California and New York.
The appointment is effective from 12 July 2025. In the meantime, Jonathan will work closely with Zehrid and his team to ensure a smooth transition. Shareholders are reminded that The Trust’s strategy remains focussed on high-conviction, quality growth investing.
Christopher Metcalfe, Chairman: ‘The Board is looking forward to Jonathan joining Zehrid Osmani to manage the Company’s portfolio. As previously stated, we believe the significant research resources that FEG offer can enhance shareholder returns over the long term’.
Jonathan has over 30 years of experience in the industry. In his role as executive vice president and CIO of FEG he has oversight of investment teams who manage equity and convertibles strategies, along with FEG’s research and venture capital teams. Headquartered in the middle of the Silicon Valley, FEG offers in-depth expertise in managing global, U.S. and sector-specific strategies across the style and capitalisation spectrum. The team has more than $130 billion in assets under management as of 31 December 2024 and over 60 investment professionals.