Franklin Templeton announced that, with effect from 1 April 2018, Johan Meyer will become sole lead portfolio manager of the Fund, ”in recognition of his strong leadership and contribution on the Fund since he relocated to Romania over a year ago”. In addition, Johan will be appointed as sole CEO of FTIML and he will be continuing in his role as legal representative for the Fund, a FP release shows.
Since 1 November 2016, Johan has shared management duties with Greg Konieczny, acting as co-portfolio manager of the Fund. Effective 1 April 2018, Greg Konieczny, Director of Specialty Strategies for the Templeton Emerging Markets Group (TEMG) will step down from his management responsibilities related to Fondul Proprietatea, which will be transitioned to Johan.
“We are very confident that the Fund will continue in very capable hands, as Johan has demonstrated strong commitment and dedication in creating value for the Fund over the past year. Furthermore, Johan possesses great leadership skills, vast industry expertise, local market understanding and a solid track record which are invaluable to lead our efforts in Romania and internationally”, commented Sorin Mindrutescu, chairman of the board of nominees of the Fund.
He further added: “We would also like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Greg Konieczny, whose sterling efforts contributed extensively to the Fund’s success to date. On behalf of all the members of the Body of Nominees, I would like to wish him every success on his expanded responsibilities within TEMG.”
Johan Meyer joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2004. Prior to his role in Romania, he was Managing Director South Africa, and the Director of Africa Strategy for Templeton Emerging Markets Group. There he was responsible for setting the overall strategy for his respective area, providing guidance and thought leadership, coordinating appropriate resources and coverage, and leveraging the group’s expertise to add value across products within the strategy. Johan holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and an honors degree with specialization in economics from the University of Pretoria. He speaks English, Afrikaans and is currently learning Romanian.
Led by Johan, the Franklin Templeton Bucharest team which consists of five locally-based investment analysts, is in turn, supported by the global platform of Franklin Templeton, including the experienced and capable bench of global investment talent, with over 50 Templeton emerging markets investment professionals in 20 offices around the world with over $28 billion in assets under management.
At the same time, the Alternative Investment Fund Manager remains as Franklin Templeton International Services, having as permanent representatives: Craig Blair, Denise Voss, Mike Sommer, Johan Meyer, and Oana Truta.