Who is Greg Abel? Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO to succeed Warren Buffett — What you should know

Berkshire Hathaway, the investment giant of billionaire value investor Warren Buffett, announced on May 5, 2025 that Warren Buffett, who will officially leave his post as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of December 31, 2025, will be replaced by the holding’s Vice Chairman Greg Abel.

Mint had previously reported that the “Oracle of Omaha” or Warren Buffett will now take on the role of President after handing over the reins of the investment giant to his close aide Abel as the year turns 2026.

Greg Abel will serve as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway as of January 1, 2026, according to the company’s announcement at the previous annual general meeting.

“I think the time has come for Greg to become the Chief Executive Officer of the company at the end of the year,” Buffett told shareholders and investors at the May meeting.

Who is Greg Abel?

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Greg Abel was a close aide of billionaire Warren Buffett and took an active role in managing companies within the conglomerate. After his success, Warren Buffett is still expected to live in Des Moines, Iowa, two hours away from the value investor.

Greg Abel has led Berkshire’s railroad company BNSF, the Dairy Queen and See’s Candies food brands, and other manufacturing and retail businesses since 2018.

Over the years, Abel, while out of the limelight, still interacts with the media at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meetings and in interviews alongside Warren Buffett.

Although Greg Abel has long been favored over Warren Buffett and the late Charlie Munger to replace Buffett, the company’s board of directors has approved the same in 2025.

“I think hard work leads to good results. I’ve learned in school, sports, and in my job positions that if I work hard and prepare well, my odds of success will be higher,” Greg Abel said in a 2018 interview.

Challenges Facing New CEO Greg Abel

Effective January 1, 2026, Greg Abel will take over Berkshire Hathaway’s various businesses as the new CEO of the conglomerate, which has more than 400,000 employees and is involved in multiple initiatives.

Investors are now focusing on Abel to influence the direction of Berkshire Hathaway. However, the agency’s report access point He emphasizes that investors do not expect any seismic changes.

“I think the investment community will probably applaud Greg’s management style to the extent that he’s kind of stepped things up,” CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert told the news agency. “And if it helps performance, that can’t be faulted.”