BRK-B · News · 20260918N

Leadership Succession and Continuity

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC · 2026-09-18 · Importance 44 · Surprise 60

Warren Buffett stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman effective September 18, 2026, becoming chairman emeritus and remaining on the board. His son, Howard Buffett, was appointed chairman after 33 years as a director, placing responsibility for preserving Berkshire’s decentralized culture with the next generation. Greg Abel, who became CEO earlier in 2026, now assumes greater visibility in operating and investment decisions following the completion of the leadership handover. Third-party coverage characterized the transition as a significant test of investor confidence in Berkshire’s succession plan and continuity without Warren Buffett in an active leadership role.

Key facts

• Warren E. Buffett has been named Chairman Emeritus, effective immediately. source
• Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, effective immediately. source
• Howard Buffett will replace Warren Buffett as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. source
• Berkshire Hathaway said Warren Buffett has been named chairman emeritus, effective immediately. source
• Less than a year after stepping down as CEO, Warren Buffett handed the role as Berkshire chairman to his son per a September 18 company announcement. source
• Warren Buffett, 96, will become chair emeritus and remain director as his son, Howard, will step in as company's new chair. source
• After 56 years as chairman of the board of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett is stepping down. source
• The leadership handover completed by Warren Buffett handing the top role to his son Howard started with Greg Abel's appointment as CEO earlier this year. source