Greg Abel will be assuming responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway following the conclusion of 2025. He’ll be taking the reins from the iconic Warren Buffett. Abel has been the clear choice for Buffett’s successor, having worked by his side for over twenty years. Now, he’s poised to guide the century-old multinational conglomerate into an exciting new chapter. His appointment ushers in a new era for the company, which has experienced extraordinary growth during Buffett’s leadership.
In Abel, now 62, they have an experienced business hand. Since 2018, he’s been Vice Chairman of non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway. In this role, he proactively protects the public across utility, railroad, and retail industries. He came to Berkshire in 1999. During that acquisition, Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, took a controlling interest in MidAmerican Energy, where Abel had been an executive. He would later rise to become the CEO of MidAmerican Energy, which was later rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
Even though they were both in Omaha during the ’90s, Abel and Buffett never met until decades later. Their joint work has produced amazing outcomes. Abel’s been the architect behind Berkshire’s growing gambles, particularly in five of Japan’s biggest conglomerates. He hopes that Berkshire will be able to hold on these gambits strategic investments for years, if not decades.
Abel’s academic history includes studies at the University of Alberta in Canada, where he is originally from. As an avid hockey fan, he enjoys playing and watching the sport. Incredibly, this same enthusiasm propels each of his personal passions and professional pursuits, marrying beautifully with Berkshire’s operational philosophy.
In pondering Abel’s fitness to lead, Ron Olson, a close Buffett confidant for decades, showed no doubt about his readiness.
“Greg is ready. I have no doubt about that. We’ve known him for a long time,” – Ron Olson
As he prepares for his upcoming leadership role, Abel’s extensive experience and familiarity with Berkshire Hathaway’s operational landscape are expected to contribute positively to the company’s future.