Notable Wall Street Asset Manager, Charles de Vaulx Dies

The death of Charles de Vaulx, a notable investor, and asset manager have left a lot of people in shock - family, friends, and colleagues included. The investor, who had noticeably been depressed, according to sources close to him, jumped from the 10th floor of his Midtown Manhattan office building. He was seen entering the building, located at 717 Fifth Avenue, where he took the elevator to the 10th floor. At 1:05 pm, he was pronounced dead.

His firm, IVA, released a statement that reads,"

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our chairman and CIO, Charles de Vaulx. The entire IVA community conveys their deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time."

Charles founded the International Value Advisers in 2007, where he served as Chief Investment Officer, co-portfolio manager, and partner. IVA gained popularity in the United States, becoming one of the fastest-growing funds and followed intently on Wall Street.

Last year was however turbulent for the company, as Charles's long-term business partner Chuck de Lardemelle exited the company, stirring concern and panic in a lot of investors. The company's total net assets rapidly declined from $20 billion to about $3 billion.

Seven weeks prior to his demise, he made the decision to liquidate what was left of the IVA assets and stop the business operations of the 14-year-old company. The liquidation process was fully completed on the 19th of April. 

Friends and colleagues said the period after the liquidation was difficult for the investor, and it was obvious he was deeply affected.

According to the iconic investor, Jean-Marie Eveillard

“He was a good investor, but too tense, and when things turned sour he took it personally and you shouldn’t take it personally. He was a good investor, but too tense, and when things turned sour he took it personally and you shouldn’t take it personally,” Eveillard said of de Vaulx. “I wasn’t happy when I went to $2 billion, but it wasn’t the end of the world.”

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.