James Demmert

James Demmert is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Main Street Research, a SEC-registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Manhattan. With over 40 years in the industry, he oversees the firm's Active Risk Management® strategy, focusing on global security selection and protecting client portfolios from catastrophic losses. His responsibilities include leading investment strategy, macroeconomic research, and risk management for institutional and private clients.

Demmert's expertise spans global equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, with a particular emphasis on multi-asset allocation and endowment management for nonprofits and families. He is recognized for developing sustainable wealth-building approaches and is frequently sought after for insights in U.S. and international markets. Main Street Research is consistently ranked among Forbes’ Top 100 RIAs, and Demmert himself is named to Barron’s Top 1200 Advisors for multiple consecutive years.

Prior to founding Main Street Research in 1993, Demmert held positions at LF Rothschild and Lehman Brothers. He is a graduate of Harvard University, Berkshire School, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and actively participates in professional groups including the Forbes Finance Council and The CFA Institute. As an author, educator, and philanthropist, he contributes thought leadership through his books and speaking engagements, especially focusing on endowment sustainability and investor education.