Adios, James Carlisle

Over the many years of Intelligent Investor we've lost and gained many staff. There's nothing unusual about that. Every business has a turnover ratio somewhere between zero and one. 

What sets us apart are the employees that first leave and then return; our new banking analyst, Rakesh Tummala, first worked with the team over a decade ago; former research director Nathan Bell recently rejoined the funds business; James Greenhalgh took a three-year leave of absence; and my break was even longer.

And yet here we all are. Except James Carlisle, who is off after another lengthy stint. 

James first joined us towards the end of last century, a meat, beer and cigar-loving value investor with a law degree from Cambridge. After a few years, he left for the Financial Review before returning - this time as a lighter, cigar-loving vegan no less - after his mainstream media sabbatical. 

Since then, he's been a sterling member of our team, albeit at the cost of fewer suitable lunch venues. In my view, no one is better able to make the case against his own recommendations than James Carlisle, a rare and enviable (if somewhat disconcerting) skill. 

Will he return? Obviously, that's impossible to say, although it's not out of the question. What we can be certain of is the value of his contribution. On behalf of the team and the members that have read his research, we wish him the very best for the future. 

Look out soon for an article explaining the path forward for the business.