Berkshire Hathaway CEO Buffett Steps Down, Successor Abel to Lead 2026 Meeting

Warren Buffett, at 94 years old, announced he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway effective January 1, 2026, ending his 60-year tenure leading the company. At the 2026 annual shareholders' meeting, Buffett will not take the traditional stage for the question-and-answer session; instead, his successor and current vice chairman Greg Abel will field shareholders' questions. Buffett will remain chairman of the board and will attend the meeting, sitting alongside other board members on the main floor rather than on the podium. This transition reflects Buffett's desire to pass the leadership role to Abel, who has a long track record within Berkshire, including leading its utility business. The meeting, known as the "Woodstock of Capitalism," will continue to be held in Omaha, Nebraska, and streamed by CNBC. Buffett's daughter, Susie Buffett, who is also a Berkshire board member, confirmed that this change aligns with her father's wishes.