Goldman Sachs’ chief legal officer, Kathryn Ruemmler, will step down following months of scrutiny over her ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails released by the US Department of Justice revealed Ruemmler called Epstein “Uncle Jeffrey.” They also show she advised him on handling media scrutiny and accepted luxury gifts.
However, Ruemmler stated, “My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs’ interests first.” She explained that her connection with Epstein began as a legal professional. She added that she was unaware of any ongoing criminal activity on his part.
CEO Praises Her Work
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon thanked Ruemmler for her “sound advice” and contributions to the company. He said, “Kathy has been a mentor and friend to many of our people, and she will be missed.”
Her resignation will take effect on June 30, 2026.
Public Relations Challenges for Goldman Sachs
Although there is no suggestion of wrongdoing, the email revelations have created a PR challenge for the bank. Ruemmler led Goldman’s reputational risk committee and joined the firm in 2020.
In addition, a Goldman spokesperson said, “It is well known that Epstein often offered unsolicited favors and gifts to his business contacts.”
Broader Corporate Impact
Ruemmler’s resignation is part of a wider pattern of corporate departures linked to Epstein. For instance, Brad Karp, chairman of the US law firm Paul Weiss, recently stepped down after emails showed he discussed Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
