Story perspectives

Greg Abel Becomes Berkshire Chairman as Buffett Steps Down

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Greg Abel (Berkshire Hathaway CEO) assumed leadership as Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman on Sept. 18, 2026.
Abel presented the annual shareholder letter, replacing Buffett at the May 2026 meeting.
Abel led the May 2026 meeting’s morning session alongside Ajit Jain.
Abel appointed NetJets CEO Adam Johnson to consumer businesses, noted CFO’s retirement and created a general-counsel role.

History

Historical Context

Buffett hired Todd Combs in 2010 and Ted Weschler in 2012, creating Berkshire’s first formal succession plan. He announced Greg Abel as CEO successor in May 2025, retired at the 2025 annual meeting, and Abel took the chief executive role on Jan 1 2026. Abel’s 2022 purchase of 168 Class A shares for about $68 million highlighted his long-term commitment.

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Story summary

Greg Abel (Berkshire Hathaway CEO) assumed leadership as Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman on Sept. 18, 2026.
Abel presented the annual shareholder letter, replacing Buffett at the May 2026 meeting.
Abel led the May 2026 meeting’s morning session alongside Ajit Jain.
Abel appointed NetJets CEO Adam Johnson to consumer businesses, noted CFO’s retirement and created a general-counsel role.

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