Core Insights - Goldman Sachs has promoted the lowest percentage of women to managing director since David Solomon became CEO, with women making up only 27% of the new class of managing directors [1][10] - The overall number of managing directors from diverse backgrounds has remained flat or increased, despite the smaller share of women in this year's promotions [2] - The percentage of women promoted has decreased from 31% in the last round of promotions in 2023 and 24% in 2017 [3] Promotion Statistics - The new class of managing directors is the largest since 2021, totaling 638 executives, of which 172 are women [3] - The drop in women's promotions follows a trend of losing high-profile female executives, with about two-thirds of women partners at Goldman leaving or no longer holding the title since Solomon took over [4][11] Leadership and Diversity Initiatives - Goldman Sachs has faced criticism for its male-dominated leadership, with women's representation on the management committee reduced to 22% from 25% earlier this year [8] - Solomon had previously pledged to make inclusion a core part of his leadership, but the firm recently dropped its policy against IPO business from companies with all-white, all-male boards [8][15] Executive Departures - Several senior female executives have exited the firm, including Stephanie Cohen, Beth Hammack, and Alison Mass, leading to a diminished presence of women in top revenue-producing roles [11][12][14] - The firm has faced accusations of systemic bias and agreed to pay $215 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination in pay and promotion [14]