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Howard Buffett Takes Berkshire Chairmanship to Protect Culture

Howard Buffett Takes Berkshire Chairmanship to Protect Culture
Not a financier: How 71-year-old farmer Howard Buffett inherited Berkshire’s chairman seat · financialexpress.com

Warren Buffett gave up his job as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway on September 18.

He will still stay on the company’s board.

His son Howard Buffett became the new chairman.

Howard is not expected to choose investments or run the company each day.

Greg Abel, the chief executive, will handle those business decisions.

Howard has spent much of his life farming, helping charities, taking photographs and serving in law enforcement.

His job is to protect the special way Berkshire operates.

Warren says Howard is like an insurance policy for the company’s culture if shareholders ever need him.

Key facts

Outgoing chairman
Warren Buffett became chairman emeritus and remains on Berkshire Hathaway’s board.
New chairman
Howard Graham Buffett, Warren Buffett’s 71-year-old son.
Chief executive
Greg Abel continues to run Berkshire Hathaway’s day-to-day operations.
Board experience
Howard Buffett has served on Berkshire Hathaway’s board since 1993.
Primary responsibility
Protecting Berkshire’s culture and values rather than directing investments or acquisitions.
Farming background
Howard operates farms in Nebraska and central Illinois and supports research related to no-till agriculture.
Philanthropic work
Howard has led the Howard G. Buffett Foundation since 1999, focusing on food security, conflict mitigation and human trafficking.

Quotes

Howard Graham Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway chairman and philanthropist

“It’s not rocket science. The culture is to keep things simple, to do what you need to do but don’t do a lot of things you don’t need to do, treat people fairly, respect your managers, respect your shareholders. Tell them the bad news upfront, be honest.”
financialexpress.com
“The culture Warren built and the values he championed will remain at the heart of Berkshire, and Howard will be their guardian”
financialexpress.com

Sources

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