One of the leading lights of emerging markets investing in a number of regions is finally stepping down from his post, rounding out a career dating more than four decades.

Dr Mark Mobius, a man whose name has become identified with the world of emerging market investing, has retired from Franklin Templeton Investments, ending a career of more than 30 years with that company.

Currently a portfolio manager on the UK closed-end fund - Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust, Dr Mobius has announced he intends to retire. The fund continues to be managed by lead portfolio manager Carlos Hardenberg and deputy portfolio manager Chetan Sehgal.

“There is no single individual who is more synonymous with emerging markets investing than Mark Mobius. My colleagues and I are deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside a legend, and we thank Mark for his many years of dedicated service and tremendous contributions to the firm,” said chairman and chief executive Greg Johnson.

Dr Mobius has spent more than 40 years working in emerging markets all over the world. He was hired by the late Sir John Templeton in 1987 to launch one of the first mutual funds dedicated to emerging markets. He oversaw Templeton’s emerging markets team from 1987 to 2016.

As part of its succession planning, in early 2016 Stephen Dover, CFA was named chief investment officer of TEMG. Dr Mobius transitioned the day-to-day management of the group to Dover and day-to-day management of the funds to other senior members of TEMG.

The Templeton Emerging Markets Group oversaw a total of more than $28 billion in assets under management as of 30 September last year.