Rumor: Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS.US) may promote Chief Operating Officer John Waldron to CEO as early as next year.

According to reports, the Goldman Sachs board has discussed a plan under which John Waldron, 57, currently president and chief operating officer, would succeed David Solomon as chief executive as early as next year. The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said the change could occur in late 2027 or 2028. According to the plan, Solomon, 64, would likely serve as executive chairman for one to two years after stepping down as CEO to ensure a smooth transition. The plan still requires board approval, which could come within the next few months, but the timeline could change. The report noted that a Goldman Sachs spokesperson responded that the board regularly discusses succession matters, but the company has no clear succession timetable, and any claims about timing are pure speculation. The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said Goldman Sachs executives had originally expected Solomon to serve a full decade as CEO, meaning he would stay until 2028. If the plan is implemented, the handover could come earlier than expected. Solomon succeeded Lloyd Blankfein as CEO on October 1, 2018. Waldron has served as Goldman Sachs president and chief operating officer since 2018 and has long been seen as the top candidate to succeed.