Jenny Johnson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest and most diversified global asset management firms. With more than 35 years of leadership experience at Franklin Templeton, Johnson has overseen nearly every major division of the organization, including investment management, global distribution, technology, operations, and wealth management. In 2020, she spearheaded the historic acquisition of Legg Mason, a transformative deal that expanded the firm’s capabilities across public and private markets and helped grow Franklin Templeton’s total assets under management to over $1.8 trillion globally. A widely respected industry leader, Johnson has been recognized on multiple lists of top executives and influential women in finance. She serves on several industry boards, corporate boards, and nonprofit organizations, contributing expertise in global markets, financial innovation, and future-focused investment trends. Johnson is also a highly sought-after speaker at major financial, technology, and leadership conferences, where she frequently addresses topics such as digital transformation in asset management, fintech and data innovation, leadership strategy, and the future of global investing.
Jenny Johnson Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
Academic History
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
Jenny Johnson has been a driving force behind Franklin Templeton’s transformation into one of the world’s largest global investment managers, now overseeing $1.8 trillion in assets under management.
Under her leadership, the firm has expanded and diversified its investment capabilities across public markets, alternative investments, ETFs, multi-asset solutions, and fintech-enabled platforms.
She has played a central role in executing strategic acquisitions and investments that have strengthened the firm’s global footprint and broadened its product offerings for retail, institutional, and wealth-management clients.
Before becoming CEO, Johnson served as Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw the majority of the firm’s investment management operations and all related support functions.
She was responsible for global retail and institutional distribution, including product development and go-to-market strategy.
Johnson also led key areas such as client service, fund administration, global technology, and Franklin Templeton’s high-net-worth business, Fiduciary Trust Company International, guiding the firm through significant periods of innovation and operational modernization.
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Board Advisory Council, NYSE
Board of Directors, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute
International Advisory Panel, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Board Member, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation
RECOGNITIONS
2024 The Committee for Economic Development's Distinguished Leadership Award
2024 Forbes Power Women
2023 Forbes World's 100 Most Powerful Women
2020-2024 Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance
2014 Money Management Executive's Top Women in Asset Management
2010-2011 San Francisco Business Times' Most Influential Women in Bay Area