Greg Abel Set to Succeed Warren Buffett as Berkshire Hathaway CEO

Greg Abel will succeed Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRKa) at the end of 2025, marking the end of Buffett’s legendary tenure that began in 1965. At 62, Abel is widely expected to maintain Berkshire’s long-term investment philosophy and conservative financial principles, including its preference for reinvesting profits over paying dividends.

While Abel may lack Buffett’s iconic public presence, investors trust he will preserve the $1.18 trillion conglomerate’s culture and operational integrity. Abel currently serves as vice chairman, overseeing Berkshire’s non-insurance businesses, including BNSF Railway and Berkshire Hathaway Energy. He has also recently assumed more responsibility for capital allocation, a key role previously managed by Buffett.

Buffett’s announcement at the annual shareholder meeting came as a surprise, though he acknowledged Abel’s strong work ethic: “It’s working way better with Greg Abel than with me, because I don’t want to work as hard as he works.” Abel, in turn, credited Buffett as a “remarkable teacher.”

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Abel comes from a working-class background. He worked odd jobs before earning his degree from the University of Alberta in 1984. He later joined MidAmerican Energy, which was acquired by Berkshire, rising to CEO in 2008. His sharp analytical skills and hands-on management style have earned praise from executives across Berkshire’s diverse portfolio.

Abel’s leadership is expected to bring a more active approach to managing subsidiaries while staying true to Buffett’s legacy of disciplined investing. As Berkshire enters a new era, Abel’s deep operational knowledge and commitment to Buffett’s principles may reassure investors looking for continuity in one of the world’s most respected companies.