Goldman Sachs Plans CEO Transition to John Waldron
Goldman Sachs is planning for President John Waldron to replace CEO David Solomon as chief executive by late 2027 or 2028.
The board of Goldman Sachs has discussed a succession plan for Chief Executive Officer David Solomon to step down, with President and Chief Operating Officer John Waldron slated to replace him as soon as late 2027 or 2028. Under the proposed arrangement, Solomon would likely transition to the role of executive chairman of the board for one to two years after leaving the CEO position. The plan currently awaits formal board approval, which may occur in the coming months.
Waldron has been viewed as the heir apparent for years. In January 2025, the board issued him an $80 million retention bonus to prevent him from leaving for other investment firms. The transition follows a period of volatility for Solomon, including a costly failed expansion into consumer lending, though the firm has recently seen stock prices rise due to a renewed focus on core Wall Street businesses.
The leadership shift is expected to create openings for other senior executives. Finance Chief Denis Coleman has already begun absorbing some of Waldron's operational duties in anticipation of the change.
