Wall Street stood still, momentarily pausing its relentless pace, as Goldman Sachs celebrated a significant milestone: the elevation of 95 of its top executives to partner status. For these individuals, reaching the rank of [Goldman Sachs partner](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner) represents the pinnacle of their careers outside the C-suite at one of the world’s most prestigious investment banks.
Becoming a [partner at Goldman Sachs](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner) is no small feat. These individuals, now part of an elite group representing less than 1% of Goldman Sachs’ approximately 46,000 employees, have navigated an average of 16 years within the firm to reach this coveted position. Goldman Sachs, renowned for its dominance in corporate dealmaking and trading, recognizes its partners as crucial drivers of its continued success.
Business Insider delved into the momentous day with nine newly appointed [Goldman Partners](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner), capturing their personal experiences of receiving the life-changing news and the celebrations that ensued. From calls with CEO David Solomon and President John Waldron to the outpouring of congratulations from colleagues, the day was a whirlwind of emotions and acknowledgements. Partners described scenes of jubilation within Goldman Sachs’ offices, marked by balloons, heartfelt notes, staff applause, and celebratory toasts.
One trader recounted a moment of quiet reflection in their office, absorbing the news, while another executive exuberantly shared the triumph with their team on the trading floor. As one new partner eloquently put it, “It’s like a wedding and birthday wrapped up in one amazing moment that you keep reliving.”
Here’s a glimpse into the memorable day of nine of Wall Street’s newly minted [Goldman Sachs partners](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner), offering a personal perspective on this career apex. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity and are presented alphabetically by last name.
The Call and the Celebration: New Goldman Partners Share Their Moments
Rob Barlick, Leading Private Wealth Management in Florida and Latin America
Robert Barlick
Robert Barlick celebrates his promotion to Goldman Sachs Partner. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“David Solomon’s call came at 8:54 a.m. on my cell phone. My team, located just outside my office, immediately sensed the significance. They flooded in with congratulations, and we later marked the occasion with a celebratory dinner.
The sheer volume of messages following the announcement was overwhelming. Hundreds of emails, texts, and calls poured in from colleagues, clients, Goldman Sachs alumni, and friends. It was an incredibly moving and joyful wave of recognition.”
Lyla Bibi, Spearheading US Healthcare Equity-Capital-Markets Group
Lyla Bibi Goldman Sachs partner
Lyla Bibi, a newly appointed Goldman Sachs partner, pictured after receiving the news. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“Having dedicated most of my career to Goldman Sachs, ‘the call’ from John Waldron was a moment I had envisioned for years, yet I was still utterly unprepared!
My husband was the first to know, followed by my parents. While I wish I could say the day was purely celebratory, the demands of the job continued amidst the incredible outpouring of congratulations.
There were wonderful tributes from the healthcare team and various women’s groups, culminating in a special dinner hosted by the financing group partners with our spouses. Returning home to flowers, Champagne, and cards truly felt like a wedding and birthday rolled into one unforgettable moment.”
Bracha Cohen, Global Head of Client Servicing and Public Portfolio Servicing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management Engineering
Bracha Cohen
Bracha Cohen, Goldman Sachs Partner in Asset Management Engineering. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“John Waldron’s call was followed by a second from our CIO, Marco Argenti. My assistant, realizing the calls’ importance, rushed in to congratulate me with a hug. My husband, my first call, expressed unwavering belief in me.
Work celebrations included three separate events with cake and Champagne – for my immediate teams, engineering managing directors in New York, and asset-and-wealth-management partners. My husband treated me to dinner, and a larger family celebration with our seven children is planned.
Goldman Sachs’ support for employees balancing careers and families has been instrumental in my journey. The firm’s support during my leave after having triplets, just two years after joining, and my promotion to VP in my first year of eligibility, were invaluable. Furthermore, my religious observances as an Orthodox Jew have always been met with respect and understanding.”
Matt Doherty, Leading Alternative Capital Markets in the Americas
Matt Doherty Goldman Sachs partner
Matt Doherty, Goldman Sachs Partner in Alternative Capital Markets. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“Receiving the call from David Solomon was particularly meaningful as it was our first real conversation.
Celebrations began with drinks with my team and Kristin Olson, the Asset-and-Wealth-Management partner leading our group. Marc Nachmann hosted an event for current and new partners at 200 West, providing a great opportunity to connect with my new peers.
While I missed seeing my children before bedtime, a lovely dinner with my wife was a perfect way to celebrate. The next morning, breakfast and a handmade card from my children, reading ‘Congrats, Dada,’ was incredibly touching.
Becoming a [Goldman Sachs partner](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner) is a leadership step up, allowing for greater involvement in shaping firm culture and practices.”
Shane Lee, Natural-Gas Trader at Goldman Sachs
Shane Lee, Goldman Sachs trader
Shane Lee, a Goldman Sachs trader and newly appointed partner. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“John Waldron called around 7 a.m. my time. Despite the excitement, I felt overwhelmingly humbled, almost embarrassed. I remained in my office, away from the trading floor, out of respect for colleagues still awaiting news and the busy trading day. After sharing the news with my wife and parents, I considered how to inform my team without disrupting their day.
Office celebrations were low-key – lunch at work followed by drinks with the team. Prioritizing family time, I ensured I could thank everyone who reached out personally.
My wife and I plan to celebrate with formal family photos – a simple but meaningful way for us to mark the occasion. Family time is precious, and this is a good reason to get everyone together!
I attribute becoming a [Goldman partner](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner) to my team. Earning their desire to work with you is key, and I focus on empathy, humility, and a healthy respect for the market.”
Vishaal Rana, Cross-Markets Consumer Retail Investment Banker
Vishaal Rana
Vishaal Rana, Goldman Sachs Partner in Consumer Retail Investment Banking. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“David Solomon’s call was brief but profoundly impactful – surreal and still sinking in.
My wife, standing beside me, was the first to know. Her unwavering support has been crucial throughout my journey.
We celebrated quietly at home with dinner and a toast. I even did the dishes! A larger celebration with family and friends will likely follow, but planning felt premature.
Reaching [Goldman Sachs partnership](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner) is the culmination of perseverance, adaptability, a firm-first perspective, and the ability to collaborate with both high-growth founders and large-cap company boards.”
Aaron Siegel, Global Head of Entertainment Investment Banking
Aaron Siegel Goldman Sachs partner
Aaron Siegel, Goldman Sachs Partner and Global Head of Entertainment Investment Banking. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“Having joined Goldman Sachs 20 years ago, just after meeting my wife Hayley, receiving the call from John Waldron felt like a meaningful full-circle moment – he was the first person I met at Goldman Sachs. Hayley was my immediate call, a moment to reflect on the colleagues, mentors, and clients who have become like family.
Ironically, John called as I was heading into a meeting with the Arthur Miller Foundation, a nonprofit supporting theater teachers. The day became a reflection on the impact of mentors and teachers, and I was able to thank many of mine.
Celebrations were with my wife and sons, even letting my youngest stay up late to share the moment.”
Craig Smart, Healthcare Banker Specializing in Healthcare Services and Technology
Craig Smart. Goldman Sachs via BI
Craig Smart, Goldman Sachs Partner in Healthcare Banking. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“On my commute to work, after dropping my daughter at school, my phone rang on the subway. Sensing the call’s potential importance, I got off the train to answer. John Waldron’s initial words were nerve-wracking, quickly transforming into pure joy upon hearing the news.
The commute became a moment to process the magnitude of becoming a [Goldman Sachs partner](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner). My wife, Kristin, was my first call above ground. It’s the pinnacle of my career, an unforgettable moment.
The office atmosphere was electric. Heartfelt congratulations poured in from partners and colleagues across the firm. Marshall Smith, global head of healthcare, hosted a celebration for the healthcare team, toasting the seven new partners from our group.
An early dinner with Kristin and our daughters followed. With young children and a school night, it was an early evening, but a proper family celebration is planned for the holidays.”
Sylvia Yeh, Co-Head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Municipal Fixed-Income Business
Sylvia Yeh Goldman Sachs partner
Sylvia Yeh, Goldman Sachs Partner and Co-Head of Municipal Fixed-Income Business. Image courtesy of Goldman Sachs via Business Insider.
“My team and I, known for our lively presence on the trading floor, were unusually quiet that Thursday morning. Anticipation hung heavy in the air as we awaited the calls.
At 9:40 a.m., my turret lit up – John Waldron! My heart skipped a beat, and 25 years at Goldman Sachs flashed before my eyes. I took a moment to compose myself before answering.
After the initial greetings, I jokingly asked John if he was calling about opening a muni account. We laughed before he delivered the news of my [Goldman Sachs partnership](https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/ Goldman Sachs partner).
The call ended, and I couldn’t contain my joy. A quick happy dance, a chair swing, and then, ‘We did it, team! We did it!’ Their support was essential to this achievement. The rest of the day was a blur of applause, cheers, confetti, balloons, and hugs.
Divisional management hosted a new partner reception, a wonderful opportunity to connect with current partners and celebrate with my extraordinary cohort. Later, my husband surprised me with an evening celebration, coordinated with my team, ensuring those who made this possible were part of it.”
