Who is John Waldron, long seen as next Goldman CEO?

Goldman Sachs is reportedly preparing a succession plan that would have COO and President John Waldron take over as CEO from David Solomon as early as 2027 or 2028, according to Reuters. If implemented, it would cap a nearly three-decade career at the Wall Street bank for the 57-year-old executive. Waldron’s path has tracked Solomon closely: both advanced through the firm’s investment-banking structure, and Waldron was promoted to president and COO in October 2018, the same month Solomon became CEO. In January 2025 both received $80 million retention bonuses in restricted stock, and the following month Waldron joined Goldman’s board, reinforcing expectations of an heir-apparent role.