Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman
Warren Buffett is no longer the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.
He held the job for more than 50 years.
He will remain involved as chairman emeritus and a board member.
His son, Howard G. Buffett, is becoming the new chairman.
Greg Abel is already the company’s chief executive.
Greg will run the company’s daily business.
Howard is expected to help protect the company’s culture and values.
Buffett said he feels confident about the company’s future leadership.
Berkshire Hathaway has performed better than the S&P 500 over the period described in the reports.
Warren Buffett stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman on September 18, 2026, after serving in the role since 1970.
Buffett, 96, became chairman emeritus and will remain on Berkshire Hathaway’s board of directors.
The board elected his son, Howard G. Buffett, chairman; Howard has been a director since 1993.
Greg Abel succeeded Buffett as chief executive at the end of 2025 or the start of 2026 and will continue running the company.
Buffett said Abel would manage Berkshire Hathaway while Howard protects its culture and values.
- Who
- Warren Buffett, Howard G. Buffett, and Greg Abel are the principal figures involved.
- What
- Warren Buffett stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman and became chairman emeritus; Howard G. Buffett became chairman.
- When
- The change was announced and took effect on September 18, 2026; Buffett had been chairman since 1970.
- Where
- The leadership change concerns Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate associated with Buffett and Omaha.
- Why
- The succession separates responsibilities, with Greg Abel running the company and Howard G. Buffett guarding its culture and values.
- New chairman
- Howard G. Buffett
- Chairman emeritus
- Warren Buffett, effective immediately
- Board status
- Warren Buffett will remain a Berkshire Hathaway director.
- Chairman tenure
- Buffett served as chairman from 1970 until September 18, 2026.
- Chief executive
- Greg Abel succeeded Buffett as CEO at the end of 2025 or the start of 2026, depending on the report.
- Howard Buffett’s board tenure
- He has served as a Berkshire Hathaway director since 1993.
- Investment performance
- Reports cite Berkshire Hathaway’s compounded annual return at 19.9%, compared with 10.4% for the S&P 500 over the stated period.
- Company valuation
- Reports describe Berkshire Hathaway’s value as approximately $980 billion to $1 trillion, depending on the date and source.
Sources
Buffett steps down as chairman of Berkshire
Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman, son Howard named successor
Warren Buffett Steps Down As Hathaway Chairman, Son Howard To Take Over
End of an era: Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman
Warren Buffett steps down as chairman, but he’s not leaving Berkshire Hathaway
