Sept 18 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs ( GS ) has named Ben

Snider as its new chief U.S. equity strategist, succeeding

veteran David Kostin, who is set to retire at the end of the

year, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Snider, who joined Goldman as an analyst in 2010 and became

managing director in 2017, will lead the U.S. Portfolio Strategy

team, the memo said, adding that he will represent the bank's

views on equities in media and client forums.

Kostin, at Goldman since 1994, will move into an advisory

director role. He was named managing director in 1998 and

partner in 2010.

Kostin also helped develop the Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry

VIP ETF and was a frequent media commentator on equities.

He will work with Snider over the coming months to ensure a

smooth transition, the memo added.

The retirement plan was first reported by Bloomberg News.

On Tuesday, Goldman also announced the retirement of Fadi

Abuali, co-chief of its Middle East and North Africa business.