“[Mobius] has been an investor through historically transformational times in emerging markets and later frontier markets,” chairman and CEO Greg Johnson said in a statement. “Over the last three decades, [Mobius] has built a team of talented research analysts and portfolio managers around the world, and has generously shared his experiences with an audience that spans the globe.”
Mobius first joined the firm in 1987 to oversee the firm’s emerging markets team and launched one of the first emerging markets-focused mutual funds, according to the statement.
He led the emerging markets team until 2016. At the time, the firm appointed Stephen Dover as chief investment officer of the Templeton Emerging Markets Group and Mobius transitioned the day-to-day management of the group to Dover.
Early last year, Mobius stood down from the fund management duties on a range of 12 Luxembourg Sicavs. However, he continued to be involved in the investment processes of the funds, participating in the firm’s research efforts and company visits.
Most recently, Mobius’ primary responsibility has been focused on serving as an external spokesperson for the group, sharing macro views on emerging markets.
“I leave with great confidence in the Templeton Emerging Markets team and leadership at Franklin Templeton,” Mobius said in the statement.
Templeton Emerging Markets Group has 50 investment professionals in 20 offices and $28bn in assets under management as of the end of September.
“We do not expect [Mobius’] retirement to cause any disruption to our clients, and the Templeton Emerging Market Group’s time-tested philosophy and disciplined approach will remain the same,” Dover said.
