Goldman Sachs CEO Comments on Legal Head’s Departure
David Solomon, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, recently expressed his respect for Kathryn Ruemmler as she prepares to retire, particularly given the intense media focus on her connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Ruemmler, 64, has a prestigious background, having served as the general counsel for President Obama. Solomon described her as a “wonderful human being” and acknowledged that her ties to Epstein were unfortunate. “It’s a tough situation,” he remarked during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” He emphasized his respect for her decision and noted the firm’s need to move forward.
According to Ruemmler’s publicist, she will officially depart Goldman Sachs on June 30. Following her media appearance, the Post reached out to Solomon’s representatives for additional comments.
Solomon, who took over for Lloyd Blankfein in 2018, indicated that Ruemmler informed him of her decision on Thursday after six years with the firm, primarily due to the “noise and distraction” resulting from the recent release of files related to Epstein. These files exposed her as a close ally, even after Epstein’s guilty plea in 2008 for trafficking a minor.
Solomon mentioned, “It became increasingly challenging for her to fulfill her duties. She ultimately felt it was the right time to step back.”
Documents released by the Justice Department highlighted a close relationship where Ruemmler referred to Epstein as her “brother” and minimized his criminal behavior, even signing emails with “xoxo.” Notably, in a 2015 email she sent to Epstein for his birthday, she expressed warmth, to which he responded with cryptic comments.
Ruemmler, who previously worked at Latham & Watkins, seemed to have received generous gifts from Epstein, whom she had once called Uncle Jeffrey.
Additionally, the messages revealed her involvement in coordinating a response for ABC News as they prepared a segment featuring Virginia Roberts Giuffre, an Epstein accuser. Although she never formally represented Epstein legally, she was frequently approached for career advice, including guidance on how to secure a prestigious position at Facebook, now known as Meta.
Epstein’s arrest on sex trafficking charges occurred in July 2019, and he died in a Manhattan jail the following month; his death was ruled a suicide. The newly released documents further illustrate Epstein’s relationships with influential figures across various sectors both before and after his 2008 guilty plea.
In one instance from 2018, an unnamed third party reached out to Ruemmler to relay that Epstein desired a specific Hermès band for his Apple Watch. Ruemmler enthusiastically replied about her preferences, showcasing a level of intimacy in their communications.
Ruemmler was among Solomon’s first significant hires when he took over, and she was regarded as one of his staunchest supporters at Goldman.
