Sara Naison-Tarajano: The Visionary Leader Behind Goldman Sachs’ Apex Family Office Revolution
Who is Sara Naison-Tarajano?
In the dynamic world of global finance, Sara Naison-Tarajano stands out as one of Goldman Sachs’ most influential and visionary leaders. With over 25 years at the prestigious investment bank, she has carved a unique place for herself through intelligence, empathy, and innovation. As Partner and Global Head of Private Wealth Management (PWM) Capital Markets, and the driving force behind the Goldman Sachs Apex Family Office Coverage, Naison-Tarajano represents the modern face of leadership — one that blends strategic acumen with authenticity and inclusion.
Early Life and Background of Sara Naison-Tarajano
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Sara Naison-Tarajano grew up in the vibrant Park Slope neighbourhood. Her father, Professor Mark Naison, is a respected historian at Fordham University, and her mother, Liz Phillips, served as an elementary school principal. Together, they nurtured a home that valued education, hard work, and compassion — qualities that became the foundation of Sara’s professional journey.
From an early age, she demonstrated exceptional discipline and ambition. A gifted athlete, she was a nationally ranked junior tennis player, reaching #37 in singles and #11 in doubles across the United States. This athletic background, coupled with her academic excellence, would later shape her approach to leadership — one grounded in focus, resilience, and teamwork.
Education and Academic Excellence
Sara Naison-Tarajano attended Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, graduating cum laude. While at Yale, she was not only an outstanding student but also served as Captain of the Women’s Tennis Team. The rigours of balancing top-tier academics with competitive athletics honed her discipline and leadership skills, preparing her for the high-stakes world of finance.
Originally, Sara had planned to pursue a career in law and public service, driven by a passion for justice and social equality. However, a friend encouraged her to attend recruitment interviews for major financial institutions. After meeting with Goldman Sachs, she was offered a role the same day — an opportunity that would mark the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Sara Naison-Tarajano’s Journey at Goldman Sachs
Early Career and Growth
Joining Goldman Sachs in 1999, Sara Naison-Tarajano quickly distinguished herself through her analytical ability and determination. She began her career in derivatives before transitioning into public securities, sales, and trading. This shift demanded rapid adaptation, but she thrived in the fast-paced environment, mastering complex financial instruments and client relations.
Her rise through the ranks was marked by consistent excellence. After a decade of service, she became a Managing Director, and in 2021, she achieved the coveted status of Partner — a testament to her outstanding leadership and contribution to the firm.
Creating Apex — A Game-Changing Initiative
Perhaps her most notable contribution came in 2018, when she founded Goldman Sachs Apex, a dedicated unit within the firm designed to serve family offices — the private investment arms of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Prior to Apex, these clients were often underserved despite managing billions in assets. Naison-Tarajano recognised the opportunity to bridge this gap by creating a centralised platform offering tailored investment solutions, deal flow, and access to Goldman Sachs’ full suite of expertise.
Under her guidance, Apex has grown into a global powerhouse, serving over 600 family offices and doubling its revenue since inception. The group now engages in private placements, minority stake sales, PIPEs, and bespoke fund opportunities — all designed to meet the specific needs of the world’s wealthiest investors.
Leadership Style and Impact
Sara Naison-Tarajano is known for her dynamic and empowering leadership style. Colleagues describe her as direct, decisive, and deeply empathetic — a rare blend that fosters trust and collaboration. She is renowned for going “to bat” for her team, often creating new roles to retain talented professionals and championing flexibility within a traditionally rigid industry.
Unlike many leaders on Wall Street, she emphasises authenticity. Early in her career, she kept her personal life private, fearing it might affect how she was perceived. Over time, however, she realised that bringing her full self to work — as a professional, a mother, and a woman — made her a more effective leader. This openness has inspired many within Goldman Sachs to embrace their individuality and balance.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Advocacy
Beyond her corporate achievements, Sara Naison-Tarajano has emerged as a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in finance. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of inequality — her first husband, a Black lawyer and investment banker, and their biracial daughter provided her with a personal perspective on racial and social justice. She has since become one of Goldman Sachs’ most active inclusion champions.
She currently serves on several internal committees, including:
-
The Partnership Committee
-
The Firmwide Suitability Committee
-
The Inclusion and Diversity Council
-
The Americas Women’s Network (Chair)
-
The One Goldman Sachs Family Office Initiative
Her mentorship of young professionals, particularly women and underrepresented groups, continues to make a lasting impact within the firm and the broader financial industry.
Personal Life of Sara Naison-Tarajano
Sara’s journey is as inspiring personally as it is professionally. After her first marriage ended, she maintained a close friendship with her ex-husband, demonstrating grace and maturity. She later married Orestes Tarajano in 2011, adopting the hyphenated surname Naison-Tarajano. The couple resides in the New York City Metropolitan Area, where she continues to balance family life with the demands of global leadership.
Despite her busy schedule, she remains devoted to philanthropic causes. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Innocence Project, a nonprofit dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA evidence, and is active within the UJA-Federation Wall Street Division.
A Leader Beyond Finance
For Sara Naison-Tarajano, success extends far beyond business performance. She has built a legacy of mentorship, innovation, and empathy — qualities that are redefining what leadership looks like on Wall Street. Her teams within Goldman Sachs are among the most diverse and high-performing in the firm, and her inclusive approach continues to inspire the next generation of women in finance.
In media appearances, including CNBC’s “Closing Bell”, she is admired for her insightful market commentary and her ability to humanise complex financial concepts. Colleagues and clients alike often describe her as “the beating heart of Apex” — the person who gives the initiative its energy and purpose.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Sara Naison-Tarajano
In an era where finance is evolving faster than ever, Sara Naison-Tarajano exemplifies what it means to lead with both intellect and integrity. Her story — from a Brooklyn upbringing to a Yale education and a groundbreaking career at Goldman Sachs — is a testament to perseverance and purpose.
Through Apex, she has revolutionised the way ultra-wealthy families invest. Through her leadership, she has made Goldman Sachs more inclusive, agile, and human. And through her personal journey, she continues to prove that authenticity and ambition can coexist at the highest levels of corporate success.
Sara Naison-Tarajano is not just a banker — she is a builder, a mentor, and a role model for a new generation of leaders who believe that success is most meaningful when it empowers others.
FAQs
1. How old is Sara Naison-Tarajano?
As of 2025, Sara Naison-Tarajano is believed to be in her late 40s to early 50s. While her exact date of birth is not publicly available, her university timeline and career milestones suggest this age range.
2. Who is Sara Naison-Tarajano’s husband?
Sara Naison-Tarajano is married to Orestes Tarajano. The couple wed in 2011, and she adopted the hyphenated surname “Naison-Tarajano” after their marriage. They currently reside in the New York City Metropolitan Area.
3. Who was Sara Naison-Tarajano’s first husband?
Before marrying Orestes Tarajano, Sara Naison-Tarajano was previously married to an investment banker and lawyer, who is African American. Though his name is not publicly disclosed, she has openly spoken about her experiences as part of a multiracial family and how it shaped her perspective on inclusion and diversity.
4. Does Sara Naison-Tarajano have a Wikipedia page?
As of now, Sara Naison-Tarajano does not have an official Wikipedia page. However, she has been featured in major publications, including Institutional Investor, Goldman Sachs’ official partner announcements, and business news platforms that highlight her professional achievements.
5. What is Sara Naison-Tarajano known for?
Sara Naison-Tarajano is best known as a Partner and Global Head of PWM Capital Markets and Apex Family Office Coverage at Goldman Sachs. She founded the Goldman Sachs Apex platform, which revolutionised how family offices access investment opportunities. She is also recognised for her advocacy of diversity, mentorship, and inclusion within the financial industry.
