Kawkabani was managing director of asset management with Algebra before it was acquired by FTIME in January 2011. He stayed on with the company as head of Mena equity asset management. Fellow Algebra alumni Bassel Khatoun and Salah Chamma have been named FTIME’s co-heads of Mena equity asset management. Both men joined Algebra in 2007 as equity portfolio managers. 

 

A Franklin Templeton spokesperson told Mena FM that Kawkabani had left to “pursue other opportunities” and added that no further departures were  expected. “Franklin Templeton’s Mena equity strategies will continue to be managed by an experienced local portfolio management team, and we do not anticipate any change in the investment philosophy, process, strategy or client service for clients investing in those strategies,” the spokesperson added. “Franklin Templeton remains committed to growing its business in the Mena region for the benefit of both local and international investors."