Warren Buffett Steps Down as Chairman at Berkshire
Warren Buffett steps down as chairman, leaving the board to implement a planned succession that preserves governance continuity and may reassure investors.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Warren Buffett was named Chairman Emeritus and remains a director offering judgment and perspective.
- The board elected Howard G. Buffett Chairman under the company's long-standing succession plan.
- Greg Abel remains President and Chief Executive Officer overseeing day-to-day operations and capital allocation.
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Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said on Sept. 18, 2026, that Warren E. Buffett has stepped down as chairman and become Chairman Emeritus, remaining a director. The board elected Howard G. Buffett as chairman under the company’s long-standing succession plan.
Chairman Transition and Succession
The company announced in a Business Wire release that Buffett’s Chairman Emeritus title is effective immediately. He will continue to serve on the board and offer his judgment and perspective. Howard G. Buffett, Warren Buffett’s son and a Berkshire director since 1993, was elected chairman of the board. Susan L. Decker will remain lead independent director. The release did not include financial guidance tied to the chairman change.
Leadership Context and Scale
Warren Buffett, 96, led Berkshire Hathaway for more than six decades, building it into a conglomerate valued near $1 trillion. He retired as chief executive officer on Dec. 31, 2025. Greg Abel became president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, overseeing daily operations and the company’s investment portfolio. Buffett communicated the chairman transition in a letter to shareholders.
"As Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Buffett will remain a member of the Board of Directors and will continue to offer his valued judgment and perspective," the company said.
