F&C chooses Pacific equities director

Ben Akrigg will join F&C Asset Management as director-Pacific equities, effective Sept. 5, said Jason Hollands, a spokesman for the firm. It is a new position. Pacific equity is "an important asset class" for the firm, Mr. Hollands said, noting its performance has been strong. Mr. Akrigg will report to Mike Hanbury-Williams, head of Pacific equities. The hiring "demonstrates (F&C's) commitment to further growing this area of our business," Tony Broccardo, F&C CIO, said in a statement. Mr. Akrigg currently is a portfolio manager with Morley Fund Management, working on that firm's Asia-Pacific equities team. Fiona Baker, a spokeswoman for Morley, said the firm is searching for a replacement. If the position is not filled by the time Mr. Akrigg leaves the firm, his responsibilities will be divided among the staff, she said.