The PR bloodbath that Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) has endured as of late has been especially unkind to Lloyd Blankfein (Lloyd Blankfein news), the embattled CEO, and to lesser extent the president Gary Cohn (Gary Cohn news). But the man one might think would've been similarly hit has managed to protect himself and his reputation. David Viniar, CFO of the gilded bank, has managed to maintain the respect of the Street.

The New York Post reports, "Viniar, a three-decade Goldman veteran, considered one of the brightest financial minds on Wall Street, told a handful of close associates as recently as last year about his desire to retire--but then quickly put those plans on the back burner when Wall Street's most profitable firm ran into turbulence."

No doubt it would be a blow for the CFO to step down now, as it would raise all sorts of questions about why he's making the move. The speculation could easily get out of hand. So for the moment, he seems determined to see his firm through the rough times. At some point--to which we are getting closer--things will settle to the point that executive changes will be likely. Blankfein will most likely step aside as quietly as possible. Viniar may as well.

For more:
- here's the Post article

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