# Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire chairman

> The 96-year-old investor hands over the top job after 59 years, completing a leadership transition.
- Title: Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire chairman · Kiplinger
- Summary: The 96-year-old investor hands over the top job after 59 years, completing a leadership transition. Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire…
- Keywords: warren buffett, berkshire hathaway, leadership transition, greg abel, howard buffett, chairman emeritus, succession planning, Warren, Buffett, steps, Berkshire, chairman
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/investing/warren-buffett-steps-down-from-role-as-chairman-of-berkshire-hathaway
- Published: 2026-09-18T13:18:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: warren buffett, berkshire hathaway, leadership transition, greg abel, howard buffett, chairman emeritus, succession planning
## Buffett steps down as chairman
Warren Buffett announced he's stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after 59 years, completing a leadership transition that began when Greg Abel became CEO in January.

> the timing is right to complete a leadership transition
## Howard Buffett takes the helm
Warren's son Howard, a director for 33 years, will become the new chairman. Warren noted Howard had a longer apprenticeship than he did before taking charge at age 34.
## Greg Abel runs the company
Greg Abel, who became CEO in January, has been making major decisions for some time. Buffett said his expectations for Abel were sky high from the start, and Abel has exceeded them.

> he has exceeded them
## Abel's path to the top
Abel started as a chartered accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, then joined CalEnergy in 1992. When Berkshire acquired MidAmerican Energy in 1999, Abel eventually became CEO and led it through a 2014 rename to Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
## Buffett stays as emeritus
Buffett remains Berkshire's largest shareholder with holdings worth about 145 billion dollars and will serve as chairman emeritus and board member. He said he's confident about the company's future.

> I am more confident than ever about what lies ahead
## Key takeaway

Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway at 96, handing the role to his son Howard while Greg Abel continues as CEO, signaling confidence in the company's future leadership.