Gary Motyl, chief investment officer of the Templeton Global Equity Group and president of Templeton Investment Counsel, passed away unexpectedly on June 18. He was 60.

A Franklin Templeton spokesperson confirmed the news to MFWire.

Motyl spent more than thirty years at Franklin Templeton. He was the third investment professional hired by the firm's founder, Sir John Templeton, and was promoted to chief investment officer in 2000. Motyl managed several mutual fund portfolios and helped lead the Templeton Global Equities team.

Before joining Franklin Templeton, in 1981, he worked as an analyst at Standard and Poor's and a portfolio manager at Landmark First National Bank.

His duties at Franklin Templeton will be shared by a team that includes Norm Boersma, president of Templeton Global Advisors, Cindy Sweeting, director of portfolio management, and Heather Arnold, research director.

The Franklin Templeton statement on Motyl's passing is below:

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our good friend and long-time colleague Gary Motyl, chief investment officer for Templeton Global Equity Group. Gary has been a highly regarded leader in the Franklin Templeton family for over 30 years, starting as the third investment professional to be hired by Templeton's founder, Sir John Templeton. His leadership has helped to guide and shape the Templeton Global Equity team, who continue to adhere to the value-oriented investment philosophy that Templeton has championed for 70 years. Gary will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

Over the years Gary has developed a strong group of analysts, portfolio managers and leaders within the Templeton Global Equity Group (TGEG). The TGEG will continue to be managed and supported by an experienced leadership team that includes Norm Boersma, President of Templeton Global Advisors Limited; Cindy Sweeting, Director of Portfolio Management, and Heather Arnold, Director of Research. Each has more than 25 years of industry experience and worked with Gary for many years. This dedicated team will provide leadership, expertise and continuity for our clients with the support of the other 36 Templeton portfolio managers and analysts in offices around the world.

Motyl is survived by his wife, Margaret Dwyer Motyl of Ft. Lauderdale, his mother, Marie E. Motyl, and his sister, Cheryl Gerber, according to an online obituary.  

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