Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lloyd Blankfein

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2026

How Lloyd Blankfein built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lloyd Blankfein is an American billionaire and investment banker, most notably known for his long tenure at Goldman Sachs. He served as CEO and chairman from 2006 to 2018 and then as senior chairman from 2019. Prior to his role as CEO, he was the president and COO of Goldman Sachs from 2004 to 2006, working under Henry Paulson. His career is closely linked to the success and growth of Goldman Sachs during a significant period in the financial industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1981: Goldman Sachs acquired J. Aron & Co.

In 1981, Goldman Sachs acquired J. Aron & Co.

1981: J. Aron & Co. Acquired

In 1981, J. Aron & Co., a small commodities trading firm, was acquired by Goldman Sachs.

1982: Joined J. Aron & Co.

In 1982, Lloyd Blankfein joined J. Aron & Co. as a precious metals salesman.

1994: Managed Currency and Commodities Divisions

From 1994 to 1997, Lloyd Blankfein managed Goldman's currency and commodities divisions.

1997: Managed Currency and Commodities Divisions

From 1994 to 1997, Lloyd Blankfein managed Goldman's currency and commodities divisions.

2004: President and COO of Goldman Sachs

In 2004, Lloyd Blankfein became the president and chief operating officer (COO) of Goldman Sachs.

2004: President and COO

In 2004, Lloyd Blankfein became the president and chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs.

May 30, 2006: Nomination of Henry Paulson

On May 30, 2006, U.S. President George W. Bush nominated Henry Paulson to serve as the 74th United States Secretary of the Treasury.

June 2006: Served as President and COO until June 2006

Lloyd Blankfein served as president and chief operating officer until June 2006.

July 2006: Chairman and CEO

In July 2006, Lloyd Blankfein was asked to serve as chairman and chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs.

2006: CEO of Goldman Sachs

In 2006, Lloyd Blankfein became the chief executive officer (CEO) of Goldman Sachs.

April 7, 2009: Recommended Overhaul of Executive Compensation

On April 7, 2009, Lloyd Blankfein recommended guidelines to overhaul executive compensation, emphasizing the need for basic standards in the industry after the 2008 financial crisis.

July 18, 2012: Aspirations to be desired

On July 18, 2012, after meeting with Barack Obama's chief of staff, Jack Lew, Lloyd Blankfein stated that he had aspirations to be desired when asked if he wanted to go into government.

February 2018: New Hiring Priorities

In February 2018, Lloyd Blankfein instituted new hiring priorities at Goldman Sachs, focusing on candidates who were highly quantitative and technologically proficient.

March 9, 2018: Reported Departure

On March 9, 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that Lloyd Blankfein would step down from leading Goldman Sachs by the end of the year.

March 15, 2018: Gender Parity Memo

On March 15, 2018, Lloyd Blankfein issued an internal memo advocating for gender parity among Goldman Sachs' workforce.

July 2018: Succession Announcement

In July 2018, it was announced that David Solomon would become CEO of Goldman Sachs on October 1, 2018, and chairman by the end of 2018, succeeding Lloyd Blankfein.