Franklin Templeton Investments has appointed 15-year financial services veteran Pierre Caramazza to head its registered investment advisor sales division.

Caramazza will be responsible for overseeing the expansion of San Mateo, Calif.-based Franklin Templeton's RIA services unit. He will report directly to Dan O'Lear, executive vice president of U.S. Advisory Services for Franklin Templeton Distributors Inc.

"Pierre brings a tremendous amount of product-specific expertise to this position," said O'Lear. "His proven leadership will be an asset as we strive to deepen our reach in the investment advisor marketplace."

Previously, Caramazza served as senior vice president with the Fixed Income Product Management & Development and Regional Product Strategy groups. He has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, including five with Franklin Templeton.

The firm also announced the addition of three new field positions within the division: Michael Wasz has been named vice president and regional director covering the central region of the U.S.; Matthew Carlisle has been named vice president and regional director covering the southeast region; and Raymond Parker was promoted to regional specialist covering the northeast.