News DeskDubai, UAE – Janus Henderson today announces the appointment of Naveen Kumar M as Senior Associate Director. Naveen, who joined the firm on 9 February 2026, will be based in Dubai and report to Meshal AlFaras, Managing Director, Head of Middle East, Africa & Central Asia.
In this newly-created role, Naveen will be responsible for cultivating relationships with the intermediary channels in the region including regional and global banks and insurance companies. This strategic hire underscores the firm’s continued commitment to expanding and strengthening its intermediary business across the Middle East.
Naveen brings more than 22 years of experience in financial services to the role. Most recently, he spent 15 years at Franklin Templeton, including the last six years based in Dubai as Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East. In this role, he spearheaded mutual fund distribution across the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, with a focus on banks, insurance companies, brokers, and digital wealth platforms. Prior to relocating to Dubai, Naveen held senior sales and distribution roles with Franklin Templeton in India, HSBC Asset Management, ICICI Bank, and Karvy Stock Broking.
Since establishing its regional presence in 2012, Janus Henderson has built a solid foundation across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Naveen’s appointment marks the next phase of growth as the firm continues to deepen engagement with intermediary partners and expand its presence across key markets.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Naveen to the team,” said Meshal AlFaras, Head of Middle East, Africa & Central Asia. “His extensive experience across retail and intermediary business channels, digital wealth solutions, and long‑term distributor partnerships, combined with his strong regional relationships and proven track record in driving intermediary business growth, will be instrumental as we build on the foundations established since 2012 and strengthen our presence in the Middle East intermediary channels.”
Naveen Kumar, Senior Associate Director, said of his appointment: “I am honoured to be joining Janus Henderson at such an exciting time. The firm has built a strong reputation and an established platform across the Middle East, and I look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth. I’m excited to partner with our clients, strengthen distributor relationships, and help expand the firm’s intermediary footprint across the region.”
