Goldman Sachs Names Michael Thompson as Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs

Goldman Sachs has appointed Michael Thompson as the head of government and regulatory affairs, replacing John Rogers. Thompson is a veteran of Goldman Sachs, having served as the firm's top lobbyist in Washington, D.C. for nearly a decade. He has also held various roles within the company, including serving as the chief of staff to the firm's chief operating officer. Thompson's appointment comes as Goldman Sachs continues to navigate the complex and evolving regulatory landscape, and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable in this role.

Goldman Sachs has appointed Michael Thompson as the new head of government and regulatory affairs, replacing John Rogers. Thompson brings extensive experience to the role, having served as the firm's top lobbyist in Washington, D.C., for nearly a decade. He has also held various positions within the company, including serving as the chief of staff to the firm's chief operating officer.

Thompson's appointment comes at a critical time for Goldman Sachs as the firm continues to navigate the complex and evolving regulatory landscape. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in this role, helping the bank to effectively engage with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

Before his new role, Thompson worked for two Republican senators and a congressman, and he also spent four years at Fannie Mae. He joined Goldman Sachs in 2010 and was named a managing director the following year. His rise at Goldman Sachs coincides with the bank's push for lighter regulation from the Trump administration, which has pledged to ease capital requirements but also announced tariffs that have roiled markets.

Goldman Sachs' trading desks have posted record windfalls thanks to the same volatility that has limited dealmaking for investment bankers. The bank's history of executives later taking government roles has earned it the nickname "Government Sachs." Thompson's appointment is the latest example of this trend, as he joins a long list of Goldman Sachs alumni who have gone on to hold influential positions in government.

Thompson's directness and intense nature have been noted by colleagues, who describe him as someone who worries about a lot of things and has excellent instincts. He is also known for his support of gay rights and has helped amplify the firm's support for the cause.

Goldman Sachs' appointment of Thompson reflects the firm's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in Washington and ensuring that its interests are represented in the regulatory and policy spheres.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/moves-goldman-sachs-names-veteran-michael-thompson-as-head-of-government-and-regulatory-affairs-ce7c5fdddf8cf22d
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/goldman-sachs-sees-diverging-prospects-for-vodafone-and-orange-4163442
[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-31/goldman-s-long-serving-top-lobbyist-replaced-by-republican-fixer
[4] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-the-goldman-sachs-group-inc-nysegs-shares-bought-by-tredje-ap-fonden-2025-07-30/