Warren Buffett, the American investor and philanthropist, who ended his 55-year-long tenure as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in the last quarter of 2025, has now stepped down from the post of chairman, which he has held since 1970.
Notably, the 96-year-old will continue to serve as chairman emeritus. However, his son Howard Buffett, a board member since 1993, will emerge as his successor.
Warren released a statement to announce his plans, which read, “Father Time always wins. He has, however, been generous with me. He has given me the opportunity to see Berkshire reach a point where I am more confident than ever about what lies ahead.”
Buffett’s successor Abel praised him, stating, “Warren’s impact on Berkshire and its owners is without parallel in the history of American business.”
Warren Buffett net worth
Currently, Warren’s total fortune is $145 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
As mentioned earlier, the move comes nine months after Greg Abel, 64, became Berkshire’s CEO. Buffett first announced his decision to leave the CEO role at the company’s annual meeting in May 2025. He retained the chairmanship after Abel took over in January.
Who is Warren Buffett?
Warren Edward Buffett is arguably the world's most successful investor and chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate company worth $1.16 tn (£870 bn).
Berkshire Hathaway owns more than 60 companies, including insurer Geico, battery-maker Duracell and restaurant chain Dairy Queen, and has major stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, Bank of America and American Express, among others.
He earned his first money as a six-year-old, bought his first shares at 11 and filed his first tax return at 13.
The veteran investor, known as the Oracle of Omaha, has successfully established Berkshire into one of the world’s most valuable companies with phenomenal skills, greatly outperforming the broader market.
It is pertinent to mention Warren Buffett secured 10th spot among world’s richest persons and one of the most generous philanthropists.
