Greg Abel, 62, is a Canadian-born executive from Edmonton, Alberta. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1984 and started his career as a chartered accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, later joining CalEnergy (which became Berkshire Hathaway Energy) in 1992. Abel’s upbringing was modest, and he credits his work ethic to early jobs like collecting bottles and filling fire extinguishers.
Rise at Berkshire Hathaway
Abel joined Berkshire Hathaway in 2000 when the conglomerate acquired a controlling stake in MidAmerican Energy, where he was president. He later became CEO of what was renamed Berkshire Hathaway Energy, leading significant growth and operational expansion.
In 2018, Abel was appointed vice chairman for non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway, giving him oversight of 189 businesses, including BNSF Railway, Dairy Queen, NetJets, and Fruit of the Loom. His responsibilities have spanned railroads, utilities, retail, and consumer brands, making him a key figure in Berkshire’s operational success.
Succession and Leadership Qualities
Warren Buffett officially confirmed Abel as his successor during Berkshire’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, praising his integrity, strategic acumen, and deep operational knowledge. Abel is respected internally for upholding Berkshire’s decentralized structure and long-term investment philosophy. While he is not as publicly visible as Buffett, Abel has earned trust throughout the company for his steady leadership and commitment to Berkshire’s culture.
Personal Life
Abel is known for his love of hockey, coaching his son’s team in Des Moines, where Berkshire Hathaway Energy is based. He has also served on several boards, including The Kraft Heinz Company and the Horatio Alger Association.
Why Abel Was Chosen
Abel’s selection is rooted in his proven track record, operational expertise, and alignment with Berkshire’s values. Buffett and the board see him as the best candidate to preserve the company’s unique culture and guide its $1.18 trillion empire into the future.
“Is he another Warren Buffett? No, there is no other Warren Buffett that I know. But he has so many of the fundamentals of Warren.” - Ron Olson, Berkshire board member"
Greg Abel’s transition marks a new era for Berkshire Hathaway, with continuity and stability at its core.