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The board is gaming out life after Solomon
Goldman Sachs’ board is reportedly discussing a succession plan that would have CEO David Solomon step aside and pass the baton to President and COO John Waldron. That’s not a done deal, the company says, but when the board starts openly doing the kitchen-table math on succession, the rumor mill usually gets a fresh battery.
Why this matters to investors
Leadership transitions at megabanks are never just a nameplate swap. They can signal a shift in tone, priorities, and how aggressively the firm leans into trading, investment banking, wealth, or the private-markets machine.
A few key details from the report:
- Solomon could reportedly step down as soon as next year
- Waldron might take over in late 2027 or 2028
- Solomon could then stay on as executive chairman for one to two years
That said, Goldman’s spokesman threw some cold water on the whole thing, saying the board regularly discusses succession but that there’s no definitive timeline. Translation: this is more “boardroom chess” than “moving trucks in the CEO driveway.”
Big picture
Goldman’s stock has already had a monster run under Solomon, so investors will be watching for any sign that the next chapter looks more like continuity or a strategic reboot. Until the company makes it official, though, this is still a succession story — not a succession event.