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Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire CEO, Greg Abel Takes the Helm

Investors gauge Berkshire's direction after a new Alphabet stake alongside a senior manager's exit.

Overview

  • Warren Buffett ended his roughly 60-year run as Berkshire Hathaway’s chief executive on Dec. 31 and remains the company’s chairman at age 95.
  • Greg Abel, who previously oversaw Berkshire’s noninsurance operations, has assumed the CEO role and has indicated the firm’s investment philosophy will not change.
  • Berkshire disclosed a roughly $4.3 billion stake in Alphabet in December, prompting questions about who drove the purchase and what it signals about future bets.
  • Todd Combs, one of Buffett’s top investment lieutenants, recently left Berkshire to join JPMorgan Chase, adding to scrutiny of the company’s stock-picking bench.
  • Under Buffett, Berkshire’s shares rose about 5.5 million percent from 1965 through 2024, reflecting a long-term record that includes nearly 20% annualized growth.