Goldman Board Weighs 2027 CEO Handover to Waldron as Solomon, 64, Holds Sway

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 29

$1 trillion in advised M&A and $12 billion in first-half equities revenue have not stopped Goldman Sachs' board from discussing a CEO transition that could move David Solomon aside for John Waldron as early as next year.
The plan reportedly would make Solomon, 64, executive chairman and could reach a board vote in coming months, but Goldman says there is no definitive succession timeline.
Solomon's influence complicates any timetable: he chairs the board, Goldman shares have risen more than 300% since he became CEO in 2018, and governance experts say forcing out a high-performing chief would be difficult.
Waldron, 57, also creates pressure for clarity after weighing outside roles; Goldman gave him an $80 million retention package through 2030, yet analysts still see tension if Solomon delays leaving.