John Waldron

John E. Waldron
Nationality	American
Occupation	Banking executive
Title	President and Chief Operating Officer, Goldman Sachs
Employer	Goldman Sachs
Known for	President and COO of Goldman Sachs

John E. Waldron is an American banking executive who serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Goldman Sachs, one of the largest and most prominent investment banking and financial services firms in the world. Frequently described in financial media as the heir apparent to Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Waldron occupies one of the most influential positions in global finance and has played a central role in shaping the firm's strategic direction during a period of significant transformation in the banking industry. In his capacity as president and COO, Waldron has been a prominent voice on matters of global economic policy, geopolitics, and financial market risk, including cautioning publicly about the potential consequences of rapid credit growth and the effects of geopolitical realignment on global supply chains and economic decision-making. As of August 2025, Waldron held a substantial equity stake in Goldman Sachs, portions of which he has periodically sold in accordance with regulatory filings.

Career

Goldman Sachs

John Waldron has spent a significant portion of his career at Goldman Sachs, rising through the ranks of the firm to become one of its most senior executives. He holds the dual titles of President and Chief Operating Officer, placing him second in the firm's leadership hierarchy behind Chairman and CEO David Solomon. In this role, Waldron oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and is involved in its strategic planning, client relationships, and risk management functions. Financial media outlets, including the New York Post, have referred to Waldron as Goldman Sachs' "heir apparent," suggesting he is considered a leading candidate to eventually succeed Solomon as CEO.

Views on Credit Markets

In October 2025, Waldron publicly addressed what he described as an "explosion" in the growth of credit markets over the preceding decade. Speaking in his capacity as Goldman Sachs president, Waldron cautioned about the potential fallout from this rapid expansion, suggesting that the proliferation of credit instruments and the increasing role of non-bank lenders in the financial system posed risks that warranted careful attention from regulators, investors, and market participants. His comments were reported by Bloomberg and were noted for their directness regarding systemic risk in global financial markets.

Waldron's remarks on credit growth reflected a broader pattern of public commentary in which he has addressed macroeconomic and financial stability concerns from his position at Goldman Sachs. His willingness to speak candidly about potential risks in financial markets has contributed to his profile as a senior figure in global banking whose views are closely followed by investors and policymakers.

Views on Geopolitics and the Global Economy

In August 2025, Goldman Sachs published a piece authored by Waldron in which he discussed the concept of "strategic interdependence" and its effects on the global economy. The article, which was also associated with The Financial Times, argued that geopolitics, national security considerations, and supply chain resilience had become primary factors shaping economic decisions across governments and corporations worldwide. Waldron contended that this shift could prove as significant as traditional cost and efficiency considerations in determining the structure of global trade and investment flows.

In the piece, Waldron described a world in which the post-Cold War era of globalization driven primarily by economic efficiency was giving way to a more complex landscape where strategic considerations—including the security of supply chains, access to critical resources, and the geopolitical alignment of trading partners—played an increasingly important role. He suggested that this realignment, which he termed "strategic interdependence," was fundamentally rewiring the global economy and would have long-lasting implications for businesses, financial markets, and government policy.

This commentary positioned Waldron as a thought leader within Goldman Sachs on questions at the intersection of finance and geopolitics, a role that reflects the firm's broader engagement with policy debates and its efforts to advise clients navigating an increasingly complex global environment.

Stock Holdings and Transactions

In August 2025, Reuters reported that Waldron sold 18,244 shares of Goldman Sachs stock, valued at approximately $13.6 million, according to a regulatory filing. Such transactions by senior executives are routine and are disclosed in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The sale provided a public indicator of Waldron's significant equity holdings in the firm, which are typical for executives at his level within major financial institutions and are often accumulated through compensation packages that include stock awards and options.

Personal Life

John Waldron maintains a residence on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, a location long associated with affluent professionals and public figures. In February 2026, the New York Post reported that Waldron was involved in a dispute with local officials on Martha's Vineyard after cutting down nearly 20 trees on or near his property. The incident drew attention from local authorities and was characterized by the newspaper as a "fracas" between the Goldman Sachs president and municipal officials. The dispute centered on the removal of the trees, which local officials considered significant, and raised questions about compliance with local environmental or land-use regulations.

The Martha's Vineyard tree-cutting incident was notable primarily because of Waldron's prominence as a senior executive at one of the world's largest financial institutions. The New York Post coverage framed the story in the context of Waldron's status as Goldman Sachs' potential next CEO, noting his position as the firm's "heir apparent."

Recognition

As President and COO of Goldman Sachs, Waldron holds one of the most senior positions in global finance. His role at the helm of the firm's operations, combined with his public commentary on credit markets, geopolitics, and economic strategy, has established him as one of the most prominent figures in the American financial services industry. His published writings and public remarks on topics such as credit market expansion and geopolitical realignment have been covered by major financial media outlets including Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Financial Times.

Waldron's position at Goldman Sachs places him among a small group of executives who oversee the operations and strategy of the largest global investment banks. His identification in the financial press as the leading candidate to succeed David Solomon as CEO of Goldman Sachs further underscores his standing within the firm and the broader financial industry.