Goldman Sachs Chair and CEO David Solomon will deliver the Wharton School’s MBA Commencement address for the Class of 2026.
Solomon — who has been with Goldman Sachs since 1999 and formerly served as the president, chief operating officer, and co-head of the Investment Banking Division at the company — will speak alongside Mattel Chair and CEO Ynon Kreiz, who will deliver the keynote speech for the Wharton Undergraduate Graduation ceremony. Both commencements are scheduled for May 17 at the Palestra.
“I am honored to announce our featured speakers — distinguished leaders whose vision and influence span global business, brand innovation, and financial leadership,” Wharton Dean Erika James wrote in a March 4 email to the Wharton community. “We are privileged to have them join us in honoring and inspiring our graduates as they mark this important milestone.”
Solomon is currently the chair of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government in 1984. He also serves on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the Paley Center for Media, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation.
Michael Beschloss, a United States presidential scholar and best-selling author, will deliver the keynote speech at Penn’s 270th Commencement, which will take place a day after the Wharton Undergraduate and MBA Graduation ceremonies. The University-wide event — which will grant degrees to graduates and recognize honorary recipients — will be held at Franklin Field.
According to James’s announcement, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition Ikdeep Singh will deliver the commencement speech for the Wharton MBA Program for Executives on May 16.
“We are excited to welcome these extraordinary leaders,” James wrote. “Their experiences at the forefront of global enterprise, transformation, and financial stewardship will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Class of 2026.”
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Senior reporter Christine Oh leads coverage of student life and can be reached at oh@thedp.com. At Penn, she studies English and philosophy. Follow her on X @ChristineOh_.
