Who Is John Waldron? Goldman’s Likely Next CEO and His 2021 Bitcoin Remarks
John Waldron, lengthy seen as Goldman Sachs’ subsequent CEO, stated in 2021 that consumer demand for Bitcoin (BTC) was rising. That comment affords a view into how he approaches crypto.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Goldman’s board mentioned a handover from David Solomon. Waldron may take over across the finish of 2027 or in 2028, although the financial institution says no definitive timeline exists.
Who Is John Waldron, Goldman’s Likely Next CEO?
Waldron, 57, joined Goldman in 2000. He turned co-head of funding banking in 2014. Since October 2018, he has been president and chief working officer (COO), the identical month Solomon was named CEO.
In 2025, the board added him as a director and gave him a retention bonus. Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo has linked his anticipated rise to that award.
It was reported that Waldron is unlikely to alter the technique Solomon devised.
“They have been driving Goldman’s priorities collectively.”
Mayo stated of Waldron and Solomon.
Meanwhile, Waldron has led one main initiative. The financial institution’s proxy assertion credit him with creating OneGS 3.0, an AI-driven effectivity plan. A workers memo in October 2025 capped headcount development by year-end and flagged restricted function cuts.
What Did Waldron Say About Bitcoin in 2021?
In March 2021, Waldron said extra purchasers needed to personal and spend money on Bitcoin. He added that Goldman was in search of a compliant approach to serve them.
“Client demand is rising.”
The financial institution had revived its crypto buying and selling desk and began dealing Bitcoin futures for purchasers. It was additionally weighing a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Five years on, Goldman’s digital property work has expanded into tokenization. In July 2025, Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) agreed to make use of Goldman’s blockchain-based Digital Asset Platform (GS DAP). BNY would observe possession of choose cash market funds on it.
However, Waldron’s current public interviews have centered on AI slightly than crypto. If promoted, he would inherit a sector the place banks are weighing stablecoins and tokenization.
Solomon would reportedly stay govt chairman for one to 2 years, and the board should nonetheless approve the plan. If it does, Waldron’s early remarks as CEO may present how he plans to steer Goldman’s crypto work.
The submit Who Is John Waldron? Goldman’s Likely Next CEO and His 2021 Bitcoin Remarks appeared first on BeInCrypto.