In addition to running the L&G UK Equity Income fund, he will also oversee £1bn in assets across LGIM’s UK income fund range.
LGIM confirmed a few months ago that Message had landed at the firm and would be focusing on running its UK income strategies.
Message announced he would be exiting Old Mutual Global Investors last December, after an eight-year plus stint with the investment manager, part of which was spent as lead manager of the circa £168m Old Mutual UK Equity Income fund.
Prior to his role at OMGI, he was an equity fund manager at Bessemer Trust.
Commenting on the news, Message said: “I’m excited to be part of the team at LGIM and have been impressed by the scale and breadth of resources on offer.
“In the current low interest rate environment, the search for a meaningful and growing level of income poses a significant challenge for investors. However, I consider there to be a number of attractive yield opportunities across the UK equity market to meet these demands and am looking forward to managing the L&G UK Equity Income fund”.
Anton Eser, chief investment officer, added: “Within our Active Equity range we focus on strategies where we believe an active investment approach can sustainably add real value for our clients. Our priority is to deliver solutions which are orientated to specific client needs, through high conviction, concentrated portfolios with a high level of active share.”
