#BuffettStepsDownAsBerkshireChairman Warren Buffett stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman on Friday (Sept 18), just eight months after he handed over the CEO role to Greg Abel. Key points trending right now:
Successor: His son Howard Buffett, a board member since 1993, immediately becomes chairman. Warren stays on the board as chairman emeritus.
Tenure: He served as Berkshire's chairman since 1970, and led the company since 1965, posting a 19.7% compounded annual return — nearly double the S&P 500. (NPR) (CNBC)
His note to shareholders: He wrote "Father Time always wins" in his letter to shareholders, and said he's more confident than ever about what lies ahead for the company. (NBC News) (Fox Business)
Why now: Berkshire shares have struggled in 2026, up just 1% versus an 11%+ S&P 500 rally, putting pressure on Abel to prove himself as CEO going forward. (CNBC)
Net worth: He's now worth about $145 billion according to Bloomberg's Billionaire Index, and remains one of the most prominent philanthropists via the Giving Pledge he co-founded with Bill Gates. (CNN)
Successor: His son Howard Buffett, a board member since 1993, immediately becomes chairman. Warren stays on the board as chairman emeritus.
Tenure: He served as Berkshire's chairman since 1970, and led the company since 1965, posting a 19.7% compounded annual return — nearly double the S&P 500. (NPR) (CNBC)
His note to shareholders: He wrote "Father Time always wins" in his letter to shareholders, and said he's more confident than ever about what lies ahead for the company. (NBC News) (Fox Business)
Why now: Berkshire shares have struggled in 2026, up just 1% versus an 11%+ S&P 500 rally, putting pressure on Abel to prove himself as CEO going forward. (CNBC)
Net worth: He's now worth about $145 billion according to Bloomberg's Billionaire Index, and remains one of the most prominent philanthropists via the Giving Pledge he co-founded with Bill Gates. (CNN)