Saunders serves as Head of Global Corporate Communications at Franklin Templeton, leading the firm’s public relations and internal communications efforts worldwide. She is a member of both the Management Committee and Operating Committee.
With over three decades in the asset management industry, she brings deep expertise across retail, institutional, and private wealth channels. Previously, she led Putnam Investments’ public policy and corporate sustainability functions, holding titles such as Head of Client Engagement Center, Head of RIA/Private Bank & Trust, and Head of North America Institutional Business. Recognized in Money Management Executive’s Top Women in Asset Management in 2017, she has been a trusted advisor at the firm since 1987.
Saunders is a frequent speaker on leadership, women and wealth, inclusion, and client experience. She also serves on the executive boards of the Greater Boston YMCA and Invest in Others, a foundation honoring philanthropic contributions from financial professionals and firms.
Her educational credentials include an MBA from Northeastern University, a BA in Communications from the University of New Hampshire, executive education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Women’s Senior Leadership Program, and McKinsey Academy’s “Unlocking the Potential of Women” program.