Franklin Templeton has promoted three members of its Canadian defined contribution and retirement team.
Matthew Williams (pictured) has been promoted to senior vice president, head of defined contribution and retirement in Canada, while Sonya Uppal and Vilashi Patel have both been promoted to vice presidents of the same team.
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Since joining Franklin Templeton in 2013, Williams has been responsible for setting and executing the company’s national DC strategy. The aim of the newly expanded role is to leverage Franklin Templeton’s institutional business as he and his team seek to take advantage of market growth opportunities in the retail retirement marketplace.
Williams is a member of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association global committee, and brings more than 25 years of global industry experience to the new role.
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In their new roles, both Uppal and Patel will work closely with Franklin Templeton’s Canadian recordkeeping partners, building advisory and broker relationships while also aiding the retail sales team in identifying DC opportunities.
Based out of Calgary, Uppal will lead the team’s efforts in Western Canada. She has been with the firm since 2013 and has been instrumental in strengthening the DC business and building relationships with Franklin Templeton’s recordkeeping partners and pension brokers.
Based out of Montreal, Patel will be responsible for strengthening the team’s representation in Quebec and Eastern Canada. Since joining the firm in 2012, Patel has led the internal sales team in Montreal.