Stressed out about the exodus of top talent at Goldman Sachs? Nothing a well-mixed martini can’t fix.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon hosted a large cocktail party on Monday at his luxury loft in Manhattan’s trendy SoHo neighborhood. The guests included a big-time banker who left the Wall Street titan, On the Money reported.
Among the more than 100 guests at Salomon’s Wooster Street penthouse was former Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein. He’s been busy recently downplaying reported criticisms of Solomon, including his side job as a DJ and private jet habits.
“Bury the Ax” [between Blankfein and Solomon] According to one well-placed source, that was the theme of the night.
The two were also spotted chatting, and the overall atmosphere of the night was sociable and friendly, the source added.
Another source said the atmosphere on the night was “surprisingly normal” and said Solomon and Blankfein had spoken and met many times this year.
In comments to On the Money, Blankfein called the event “a reminder of what’s special about Goldman.”
A Goldman spokeswoman declined to comment.
Mr. Solomon joins Dina Powell McCormick, who announced in May that she was leaving Goldman for a newly created role at a merchant bank run by former Goldman partners Greg Lemkau and Byron Trott. A secret soiree was held in his honor.
In addition to Powell McCormick, Lemkau and Trott, other prominent Goldman defectors also attended.
They include Gary Cohn, Stephen Sher, Bob Steele, Heather Miner, Tom Connolly, Stacey Bash Polley, Kathy Elsesser, Julian Salisbury, Jake Siewert, and Margaret Anadu .
Dozens of current partners were also in attendance, including John Waldron, Kim Posnett, Meena Flynn, Carrie Halio and John Rogers.
Some sources say the party was shrewd, and that Solomon’s ploy may have worked, given the number of recently retired executives who attended.
Mr. Solomon has been inviting partners to his home for dinner in recent months, but this event was much larger, people familiar with the matter said.
“Goldman is still Goldman,” said the person. “The alumni network is strong and will be for a long time.”
Last month, the Post’s Charlie Gasparino reported that Blankfein and Solomon were planning a dinner to “bury further issues.”
The article added: “Lloyd Blankfein says friction with David Solomon is ‘overblown.'”
Powell’s husband, David McCormick, also attended. The former Bridgewater Associates CEO launched his U.S. Senate campaign in Pennsylvania last month.
“There was a lot of talk about him running,” the source said. “He’ll get a lot of support from the Goldman crowd.”
