The world of Wall Street and DJ decks rarely mix, but for Goldman Sachs’ CEO, David Solomon, this unusual blend was part of his identity. However, following internal disquiet and external attention, Solomon has chosen to distance himself from his musical endeavors, as reported by the Financial Times.
While many once viewed Solomon’s performances as a quirky diversion that humanized the corporate leader, it gradually became a source of tension within Goldman Sachs. The CEO’s last memorable stint behind the decks was at the Lollapalooza festival in 2022.
Goldman’s spokesperson, Tony Fratto, emphasized that Solomon’s hiatus from the music scene isn’t recent news, having not performed publicly for over a year. Fratto also mentioned that the actual concern wasn’t Solomon’s passion for music but the media’s fixation on it.
Solomon’s DJ journey traces back over a decade to a deal involving a Las Vegas casino. He began his music career under the alias DJ-D Sol, which even made its way into a cameo on the US TV series, Billions. He later rebranded himself, simply using David Solomon.
Several of Solomon’s musical choices, like his 2019 gig at Tomorrowland, a Belgian festival known for its party atmosphere, drew apprehension from Goldman’s board. Furthermore, a 2020 performance in the Hamptons during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked controversy due to alleged social distancing violations, prompting an apology from the CEO.
Since taking the helm at Goldman Sachs in 2018, Solomon has sought to reorient the bank’s direction, veering from its traditional roots of investment banking. This pivot has faced its share of hurdles, with Goldman Sachs witnessing a decline in profits recently.
While his DJ activities became a significant part of his persona, marked by high-profile events and online presence, some inside Goldman Sachs felt the limelight it brought was more of a hindrance than an asset.
Information for this story was found via Financial Times and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
