Warren Buffett, one of the most influential investors in history, has retired as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway, marking the end of a more than six-decade run that reshaped American business and investing.
Buffett, 95, officially stepped down as CEO at the start of the year, handing day-to-day leadership of the Omaha-based conglomerate to longtime deputy Greg Abel. Buffett will remain chairman of the board, providing continuity as Berkshire enters a new chapter.
Often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in the 1960s when it was a struggling textile company. Over the decades, he transformed it into a diversified conglomerate valued at roughly $1 trillion, with major holdings spanning insurance, railroads, energy, manufacturing, retail and consumer brands. Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire delivered returns that vastly outperformed the broader stock market, earning him global recognition as the most successful value investor of his generation.
Abel, 63, has been widely viewed as Buffett’s successor for years. He most recently served as vice chairman overseeing Berkshire’s non-insurance businesses and is now responsible for managing the company’s sprawling portfolio and overseeing capital allocation, including a massive cash reserve.
In stepping aside as CEO, Buffett expressed confidence in Abel’s leadership and emphasized that Berkshire’s long-term culture and decentralized management structure remain intact. The transition has been planned for years and was designed to reassure shareholders and employees that the company’s core principles will continue.
The change in leadership was closely watched by investors, with Berkshire shares seeing modest movement as markets adjusted to the post-Buffett era. Analysts have noted that while Buffett’s presence looms large, Berkshire’s strong balance sheet, diversified operations and established leadership team position the company for stability.
Buffett’s retirement as CEO marks the close of one of the most remarkable tenures in corporate history. Known for his plainspoken wisdom, annual shareholder letters and long-term investment philosophy, Buffett leaves behind a legacy that has influenced generations of investors and executives.
As Berkshire Hathaway moves forward under new leadership, Buffett’s imprint on the company — and on global markets — is expected to endure for decades to come.
