Tucker's appointment expands the board to 12 directors, 10 of whom are independent. He will serve as a member of the firm's audit, risk, compensation and corporate governance and nominating committees.

"Tucker has broad and deep operating and strategic experience across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America," said Lloyd Blankfein, chairman and chief executive. "And, with his nearly three decades of leadership in the insurance and banking sectors, Tucker has a proven understanding of effective risk management," he continued.

Tucker is also group CEO and president of AIA Group, an independent pan-Asian life insurance group. Between 2005 and 2009 he served as group CEO of Prudential.

Last month Goldman Sachs reported net revenues of $8.35 billion and net earnings of $1.51 billion for the third quarter ended September 30, compared with $1.09 billion and $962 million for the previous quarter, respectively.