# Jenny Johnson

> Jenny Johnson is the CEO of Franklin Templeton and a third-generation member of the company’s founding family. She joined in 1988, worked across lending, technology, operations, distribution and investment management, and became CEO in February 2020. Her tenure includes the acquisitions of Legg Mason, Lexington Partners and Putnam, alongside a sustained interest in blockchain, private markets and investment technology.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Franklin Templeton
- **Organizations:** Franklin Templeton, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Catalyst, Investment Company Institute, Monetary Authority of Singapore International Advisory Panel, NYSE Board Advisory Council, Luxembourg Advisory Board on AI in Finance, Asian Development Bank Advisory Group
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** B.A. in economics, University of California, Davis
- **Known for:** Led Franklin Templeton during its $4.5 billion cash acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020., Oversaw acquisitions including Lexington Partners and Putnam Investments., Received a 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award from the Committee for Economic Development.

## Career timeline

- **1987** — Graduated from UC Davis and joined Drexel Burnham Lambert as a trainee.
- **1988** — Joined Franklin Templeton.
- **2010** — Became chief operating officer.
- **2016** — Became president.
- **2020-02** — Succeeded her brother Greg Johnson as CEO.
- **2020-07** — Franklin Templeton completed the Legg Mason acquisition.
- **2022-04** — Franklin Templeton completed the Lexington Partners acquisition.
- **2024-01** — Franklin Templeton completed the Putnam acquisition.
- **2025-10** — Continued as CEO as Daniel Gamba, Terrence Murphy and Matthew Nicholls became co-presidents.

## Achievements

- Led Franklin Templeton during its $4.5 billion cash acquisition of Legg Mason in 2020.
- Oversaw acquisitions including Lexington Partners and Putnam Investments.
- Received a 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award from the Committee for Economic Development.
- Named a CNBC Changemaker in 2026.
- Included on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list in 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Appeared in iCapital’s October 5 episode on change, culture and conviction, recorded at her Montana ranch.
- **2026-09** — Discussed her career, AI, tokenization and private markets on Excess Returns on September 16.
- **2026-09** — Franklin Templeton announced a majority-stake agreement for Stoneshield through Clarion; closing was expected in the fourth calendar quarter of 2026, subject to conditions.

## Links

- Website: https://www.franklintempleton.com/profiles/jenny-johnson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyjohnsonfranklintempleton

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/jenny-johnson
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21