Franklin Templeton adds former CalPERS chief executive James Andrus as vice president of sustainability.

James Andrusrecently retired from CalPERS joins Franklin Templeton in a new role as vice president of sustainable global markets, according to a press release.

Mr. Andrus’ official launch date was Monday, spokesman Travis Fishstein said in an email.

Prior to his retirement on March 18, Mr. Andrus was Interim Managing Director of Board Management and Sustainability Investments for the $442.9 billion California Public Employees Retirement System in Sacramento. Mr. Andrus was a financial market strategist before being appointed to a temporary position in January 2022 after Ann Simpson left CalPERS to join Franklin Templeton as Global Head of Sustainability.

At Franklin Templeton, Mr. Andrus will report to Mrs. Simpson.

“James has a strong background in corporate governance and brings to Franklin Templeton a wealth of knowledge and experience in the effective management of financial, human and natural capital,” Ms. Simpson said in a press release. “I’m delighted to have James join our growing team as we intensify our efforts in this important area.”

Mr. Andrus is the third senior former CalPERS employee to join Franklin Templeton in recent years. Yu “Ben” Meng, who was CIO of CalPERS, joined Franklin Templeton in 2021 as EVP and Chairman, Asia Pacific. Mr. Meng retired from CalPERS in August 2020.

As of February 28, Franklin Templeton managed $1.4 trillion in assets.