The Most Powerful Women in Banking, No. 25, Kim Posnett, Goldman Sachs

Kim Posnett’s career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive at the renowned Goldman Sachs . To celebrate her two decades at the firm, she has now stepped into an even more prestigious role: co-head of investment banking.

Prior to her significant promotion in January 2025, her tenure as head of the global technology, media & telecommunications group equipped her for this esteemed position. She played a crucial role in high-profile transactions like Twitter’s $44 billion acquisition by Elon Musk, along with Silver Lake’s $25 billion purchase of Endeavor. Such monumental deals were instrumental in securing her firm’s position as the leading advisory for announced and completed M&A globally for the year. (Posnett’s ranking is based on her previous role as global head of the technology, media, and telecommunications group, as outlined by American Banker’s methodology requiring women to be in their roles for at least a full year.)

It may seem unconventional, particularly for someone who briefly ventured into Hollywood after a background in history and theater from Yale. However, her Wharton MBA and a position at Goldman as an associate in 2005 marked the beginning of her rapid ascent.

Consider Posnett—who featured on American Banker’s 2024 “Most Powerful Women in Banking’s Women to Watch” list, highlighting her foresight—as the quintessential deal whisperer, skillfully managing influential personalities and utilizing her extensive network to finalize complex agreements.

This intentional relationship development is a kind of “superpower,” noted her colleague George Lee, co-head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute. “She has consistently excelled in the relational aspects of our business—cultivating friendships, gaining trust, and investing in others’ successes,” Lee commented. “She embodies and inspires loyalty.”

Posnett’s most formidable challenge over the past year involved “the volatility and unpredictability of the macro environment,” she shared. “A significant part of my role is to anticipate rare but impactful events, ensuring we are prepared to navigate any challenges that arise.”

Taking on such concerns is a substantial responsibility, but it also brings rewards: The firm reported $2.19 billion in investment banking fees in the second quarter of 2025, a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

As part of Goldman’s emerging leadership, the 48-year-old mother of three is acutely aware of the dramatic shifts brought on by AI, which is rapidly transforming the industry. She views part of her responsibility as promoting “innovation and resilience” within the firm, ensuring Goldman remains at the forefront of harnessing AI’s potential.

Apart from her professional commitments, Posnett is deeply passionate about health matters, serving as a board director for Every Mother Counts—a nonprofit dedicated to addressing maternal health needs—and as a member of the Dean’s Council at Weill Cornell Medicine. This focus perhaps illustrates her approach as the consummate deal-maker, ensuring that those she supports prosper and flourish.