US investment firm Franklin Templeton has announced the appointment of Takashi Takamura as the new president and country head for its Japan unit, effective April 1. Takamura, a 35-year veteran in the financial industry, will assume his role following approval at the company’s extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and board of directors’ meeting in late March. He will report directly to Tariq Ahmad, head of APAC. Prior to this role, Takamura served as president and representative director at State Street Global Advisors, Japan, and has held senior positions at Capital International K.K., Citigroup Asset Management, and Mitsui Trust & Banking Co. Suguru Kuwahata, the outgoing president, will transition to a new role within the company.