Who Is John Waldron? Goldman's Likely Next CEO and His 2021 Bitcoin Remarks

John Waldron, long seen as Goldman Sachs’ next CEO, said in 2021 that client demand for Bitcoin (BTC) was rising. That remark offers a view into how he approaches crypto.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Goldman’s board discussed a handover from David Solomon. Waldron could take over around the end of 2027 or in 2028, though the bank says no definitive timeline exists.

Who Is John Waldron, Goldman’s Likely Next CEO?

Waldron, 57, joined Goldman in 2000. He became co-head of investment banking in 2014. Since October 2018, he has been president and chief operating officer (COO), the same 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 expected rise to that award.

It was reported that Waldron is unlikely to change the strategy Solomon devised.

“They have been driving Goldman’s priorities together.”

Mayo said of Waldron and Solomon.

Meanwhile, Waldron has led one major initiative. The bank’s proxy statement credits him with developing OneGS 3.0, an AI-driven efficiency plan. A staff memo in October 2025 capped headcount growth through year-end and flagged limited role cuts.

What Did Waldron Say About Bitcoin in 2021?

In March 2021, Waldron said more clients wanted to own and invest in Bitcoin. He added that Goldman was seeking a compliant way to serve them.

“Client demand is rising.”

The bank had revived its crypto trading desk and started dealing Bitcoin futures for clients. It was also weighing a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Five years on, Goldman’s digital assets work has expanded into tokenization. In July 2025, Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) agreed to use Goldman’s blockchain-based Digital Asset Platform (GS DAP). BNY would track ownership of select money market funds on it.

However, Waldron’s recent public interviews have centered on AI rather than crypto. If promoted, he would inherit a sector where banks are weighing stablecoins and tokenization.

Solomon would reportedly remain executive chairman for one to two years, and the board must still approve the plan. If it does, Waldron’s early remarks as CEO could show how he plans to steer Goldman’s crypto work.