David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs: From Modest Roots to Wall Street Leadership

David Michael Solomon was born in 1962 in Hartsdale, New York, and grew up in the northern suburbs of New York City. He attended Edgemont Junior-Senior High School. At Hamilton College, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, where he also participated in extracurriculars like rugby and was part of a fraternity. His early exposure to work and ambition shaped a finance career rooted in diligence and adaptability.

Goldman Sachs’ Changing Era

Goldman Sachs is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, operating in investment banking, asset management, securities, and advisory services. As of David Solomon’s appointment, the firm has been navigating a landscape of regulatory changes, growing competition, more emphasis on technology, and shifting client demands. Under his leadership, Goldman Sachs has also made moves into consumer banking (e.g. through Marcus) alongside its traditional strengths in capital markets.

Career Path Before the Top Spot

After graduating from Hamilton College, Solomon began his professional journey at Irving Trust. He then moved to Drexel Burnham Lambert and later Bear Stearns before joining Goldman Sachs in 1999 as a partner, co-heading the leveraged finance business. Over time, he led the Financing Group at Goldman and later the Investment Banking Division. These roles gave him broad exposure to both risk and deal execution, helping build the expertise he would need as CEO.

Rise to Leadership: Becoming CEO and Chairman

Solomon’s rise through Goldman Sachs was gradual but steady. He was appointed Co-Head of Investment Banking in 2006, became President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2017, then sole COO soon thereafter. On October 1, 2018, he succeeded Lloyd Blankfein as CEO of Goldman Sachs, and in January 2019, he also became Chairman of the Board.

Leadership & Vision: Strategy, Culture, and Change

As CEO & Chairman, Solomon has emphasized diversification of revenue sources, greater focus on technology and digital capabilities, and strengthening risk management and regulatory compliance. He has also encouraged modernization in firm culture, including more attention to work-life balance and inclusivity, while maintaining the high performance and client service standards Goldman Sachs is known for.

Impact & Achievements

Since Solomon assumed leadership, Goldman Sachs has delivered significant financial results and taken bold steps in expanding its consumer division (Marcus), asset and wealth management, and technology investments. In 2025, the firm increased David Solomon’s total compensation to approximately $39 million, coupled with an $80 million retention bonus to ensure leadership continuity. These developments reflect both confidence in his strategy and the firm’s performance under his stewardship.