Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, marking another major transition at the company he has led for decades.
Berkshire Hathaway announced on September 18, 2026, that Buffett has been named Chairman Emeritus. He will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board of directors.
The board has elected Buffett’s son, Howard G. Buffett, as the new chairman. Howard has been a Berkshire director since 1993 and has extensive experience across corporate boards and philanthropy.
He has chaired and led the Howard G. Buffett Foundation since 1999, with its work focused on areas including global food security and conflict mitigation. He also served as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Against Hunger for the World Food Programme.
The move follows Warren Buffett’s decision to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO on December 31, 2025. Gregory Abel succeeded him as chief executive, meaning Buffett has now relinquished both of Berkshire’s top leadership positions within about nine months.
Despite stepping away from the chairmanship, Buffett is not leaving Berkshire Hathaway entirely. His continued board role means he will remain connected to the company.
Berkshire Hathaway operates across insurance, energy, rail transportation, manufacturing, services and retail businesses. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under BRK.A and BRK.B.
Source: Berkshire Hathaway’s official announcement dated September 18, 2026.
