Goldman Sachs Insiders Weigh Possible Next COO
Goldman Sachs employees are speculating about who might replace COO John Waldron, who is seen as a possible successor to CEO David Solomon. CFO Denis Coleman and Ashok Varadhan, co-head of global banking and markets, were named as possible COO candidates, while the bank dismissed the talk as speculation. Goldman reports earnings Tuesday, with its trading unit in focus after record second-quarter revenue and earnings per share.
Goldman Sachs staff are discussing who might step into the COO role if John Waldron eventually moves up. CFO Denis Coleman and Ashok Varadhan, who helps lead global banking and markets, have been cited as possible candidates; the company says such talk is speculative. If Coleman were promoted, Sheara Fredman, Ericka Leslie, and Carey Halio are among internal executives who report to him and could be considered for CFO.
Reports have suggested Solomon may remain CEO until 2028, while another outlet described a possible earlier handoff to Waldron. Solomon and Waldron each received $80 million retention awards that vest over five years. Goldman reports Tuesday, with trading in focus after record Q2 revenue, EPS, and equities revenue.
The speculation may matter beyond Goldman’s executive suite. Employees could see career paths shift if a CFO vacancy opens, while investors and clients may read succession signals as clues about strategy and stability. Because Goldman is a major bank, any leadership uncertainty could influence confidence in capital-markets activity, though earnings and market conditions likely remain more immediate drivers.