Conference goers can expect to soon see a familiar name on event agendas: former Goldman Sachs chief executive Lloyd Blankfein.
Blankfein, who stepped down as Goldman’s chairman and CEO last year, has begun advertising his services as a paid keynote speaker via an agency. He’s following in the footsteps of past Goldman Sachs chiefs, out-of-office politicians, and retired athletes.
Worldwide Speakers Group represents Blankfein, along with scores of public figures from business, politics, media, and entertainment. Other clients include Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and the singer Jewel.
Another ex-Goldman CEO can be booked through the agency: former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. It is unclear who costs more.
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For $15,000 or less to $60,000-plus, event organizers can book Worldwide Speakers Group talent to speak from a list of pre-provided topics. Travel costs — typically first class — are typically on the organizers, too.
Blankfein’s proposed keynote speech, “A Conversation with Lloyd Blankfein,” includes “the lessons learned leading one of the world’s largest and most successful investment banks,” touching on risk, global markets, business transformation, the intersection of business and politics, and leadership.
The agency does not disclose Blankfein’s fee or conditions (sometimes called a ‘rider’) without a booking inquiry.
Last July, Goldman Sachs announced that Blankfein would retire as CEO and chairman after more than 12 years. At the time, Blankfein did not discuss any future plans, but joked on Twitter that he was “looking forward to the unrestrained tweeting.” (He has posted two tweets since leaving, both about corporate stock buybacks.)
His Twitter bio says he is a “former CEO on a gap year.”
