Goldfarb Exits as Sequoia's Valeant Debacle Caps 45-Year Career

  • Ruane Cunniff CEO helped build fund's strong long-term record
  • David Poppe takes helm at the investment firm and mutual fund

The headquarters of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. stands in Bridgewater Township, U.S., on Wednesday Nov. 04, 2015.

Photographer: Michael Nagle
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It could not have been the way Robert Goldfarb hoped to finish his career.

Goldfarb, 71, chief executive officer of Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb and co-manager of the Sequoia Fund, is retiring after the firm’s investment in troubled drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. marred the reputation of a mutual fund that traces its roots to billionaire Warren Buffett. David Poppe, who co-managed the $5.6 billion fund with Goldfarb, will become the lead manager and replace him as the company’s CEO, the firm said Wednesday in a letter to shareholders.