Global Finance News
19 Sep 2026, 10:56
Warren Buffett Becomes Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Emeritus as Howard Buffett Takes Chair Role
Berkshire Hathaway announced a major leadership transition Friday, naming Warren E. Buffett Chairman Emeritus while keeping him on the company’s board of directors. Howard G. Buffett, Warren Buffett’s son and a Berkshire director since 1993, was elected Chairman of the Board, while Susan Decker will remain Lead Independent Director.
The change separates Berkshire’s board leadership from day-to-day management. Greg Abel remains Chief Executive Officer and continues to run the company, while Howard Buffett will focus on preserving Berkshire’s culture and long-standing shareholder-oriented principles. In his shareholder letter, Warren Buffett said Abel has fully taken hold of the CEO role and that the timing was right to complete the transition.
Warren Buffett, who has led Berkshire for more than six decades, will continue to provide judgment and perspective as a director. The company described the move as consistent with its long-established succession planning. Berkshire’s 2026 filings already listed Greg Abel as President and CEO, with Warren Buffett serving as Chairman before Friday’s change.
Howard Buffett brings more than three decades of experience on Berkshire’s board and has served since 1999 as Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
The transition marks another major step in Berkshire’s post-Warren Buffett era, but the structure is designed to preserve continuity: Abel remains responsible for operations and capital allocation, Howard Buffett takes the board chairmanship, and Warren Buffett remains involved as Chairman Emeritus and director.
Berkshire Hathaway announced a major leadership transition Friday, naming Warren E. Buffett Chairman Emeritus while keeping him on the company’s board of directors. Howard G. Buffett, Warren Buffett’s son and a Berkshire director since 1993, was elected Chairman of the Board, while Susan Decker will remain Lead Independent Director.
The change separates Berkshire’s board leadership from day-to-day management. Greg Abel remains Chief Executive Officer and continues to run the company, while Howard Buffett will focus on preserving Berkshire’s culture and long-standing shareholder-oriented principles. In his shareholder letter, Warren Buffett said Abel has fully taken hold of the CEO role and that the timing was right to complete the transition.
Warren Buffett, who has led Berkshire for more than six decades, will continue to provide judgment and perspective as a director. The company described the move as consistent with its long-established succession planning. Berkshire’s 2026 filings already listed Greg Abel as President and CEO, with Warren Buffett serving as Chairman before Friday’s change.
Howard Buffett brings more than three decades of experience on Berkshire’s board and has served since 1999 as Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
The transition marks another major step in Berkshire’s post-Warren Buffett era, but the structure is designed to preserve continuity: Abel remains responsible for operations and capital allocation, Howard Buffett takes the board chairmanship, and Warren Buffett remains involved as Chairman Emeritus and director.
