TIAA Global Asset Management, a leading investment manager, has named Vijay Advani as president and chief operating officer, a new role for the company, effective January 9 2017. He will report to Rob Leary, chief executive officer of TIAA Global Asset Management.

He will work closely with Leary and other senior leaders to drive the strategy for the firm. He will lead global distribution, drawing on his experience to establish and deepen client relationships. He will also drive data and analytics initiatives for portfolio management and product development as well as distribution.

In his most recent role at Franklin Templeton, Advani was responsible for long-term strategic initiatives, investment management, trading and global retail and institutional distribution. Over a career of more than 20 years he also held product development, client relationship and marketing leadership roles in Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa.