STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Norway's $1.6 trillion sovereign wealth fund, one of the world's largest investors, will support a resolution calling for Goldman Sachs ( GS ) to split the roles of CEO and board chair, it said on Friday.

Proxy advisors Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis have recommended that investors back a shareholder resolution urging the bank to split the two positions, currently held by David Solomon, at Goldman's annual meeting on April 24.

The independence of banks' leadership has been a hot issue since the 2008 global financial crisis.

Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which operates the Norwegian fund, is the 12th biggest investor in Goldman Sachs ( GS ) according to LSEG data, with a 0.84% stake in the Wall Street bank at the end of 2023, valued at the time at $1.09 billion.

"The board should exercise objective judgement on corporate affairs and be able to make decisions independently of management," NBIM said in a statement explaining its vote rationale.

Goldman Sachs ( GS ) has recommended investors reject the proposal to split the two roles. The bank did not immediately reply to Reuters' request for comment on Friday.

A similar proposal filed last year drew 16% support, including from NBIM.

NBIM also said it would vote in favour of Goldman's pay package for top executives.

(This story has been refiled to replace the outdated Goldman Sachs ( GS ) logo)