Legendary investor Warren Buffett has officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the age of 95. Buffett spent six decades transforming the company from a struggling textile business into one of the largest and most influential conglomerates in the world.
Buffett’s longtime deputy and handpicked successor, Greg Abel, officially takes over as CEO. In a letter to shareholders in November, Buffett praised Abel, writing: «He is a great manager, a tireless worker and an honest communicator. Wish him an extended tenure.»
Together with his late business partner Charlie Munger, Buffett built Berkshire Hathaway into a global powerhouse. The company owns diverse businesses including insurance companies, railroads, Dairy Queen, and Duracell, and holds significant investments in major public companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express. Analysts say the conglomerate represents a microcosm of the broader economy.
Buffett’s financial success has made him one of the wealthiest people in the world, while his down-to-earth personality, philanthropy, and annual shareholder gatherings in Omaha, Nebraska have made him a national figure beyond Wall Street. Despite retirement, Buffett will remain chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and continue writing his annual letters to shareholders.
Investors have expressed cautious optimism. While Berkshire Hathaway shares rose over 11% in 2025, markets remain attentive to how Abel will lead the company into the future. Buffett, meanwhile, described his retirement as «sort of going quiet», assuring shareholders he will remain engaged and share his insights.
