Ericka Leslie has a demonstrated track record of combining technical expertise with the ability to drive major organizational change and lead teams through complex and changing environments to advance her units' impact.
One such recent example: the creation of the capital solutions group, or CSG, which Leslie designed and established in Q1 2026 to more effectively integrate financing, origination, structuring and risk management activities operating within Goldman's global banking & markets, or GBM, division. As part of this, the COO of GBM oversaw the movement of teams, risk functions and technology assets critical to the success of the effort.
Leslie also helped strengthen the risk and control framework of GBM, for which she is also the global head of operations and engineering, by establishing unified risk functions and senior governance committees. (In May, Leslie was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer.)
"These efforts improved coordination across the business, strengthened controls and supported the firm's long-term growth," said Leslie, who reports to GBM's C-suite and is one of the most senior women at the firm. "I focused on measuring progress and encouraging experimentation while still managing potential risks."
GBM was providing stellar results even before the creation of CSG. Comprising Goldman's investment banking as well as the equities, fixed-income, currency and commodities businesses, GBM generated $41.35 billion of net revenues in 2025, up 18% from the prior year. Investment banking fees jumped 21% in 2025 to $9.34 billion, driven largely by M&A advisory.
First quarter 2026 kicked off what could be another record year, with GBM net revenues of $12.74 billion, a 19% jump over Q1 2025.
"I've seen firsthand [Leslie's] ability to navigate complex organizational challenges and develop thoughtful and tailored technological solutions, including through the use of artificial intelligence," said Sheara Fredman, Goldman's chief accounting officer and controller.
Starting at Goldman in 1996 as an associate in the finance division, Leslie assumed responsibility for commodities-related technology in 2021, and five years later she became global head of currency and commodities technology. She transferred to the operations division in 2008 and by 2018 was named head of operations for the securities division.
Her experiences across the firm have prompted her to champion Goldman's comprehensive internal mobility programs that provide employees with career opportunities across diverse divisions. The programs have also assisted in retaining valued employees, particularly those at points in their careers requiring increased flexibility. Taking her leadership abilities outside of work, she has served on the board of the National Organization on Disability and vice chair of the board of the Stephen Gaynor school, which serves children with language-based learning differences. She noted her commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering inclusion in the workplace as well as the broader community.
An advocate for Goldman's disability inclusion network, she said that creating an environment where employees can reach their full potential strengthens the organization.
She also serves on the board of her church on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where she has taught Sunday school for the past nine years.
