Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by Year-End

Warren Buffett to Step Down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by Year-End

In a historic shift for one of the world’s most iconic investment firms, Warren Buffett has announced he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025. The 93-year-old billionaire made the announcement during the company’s annual shareholder meeting, signaling a formal end to his legendary tenure atop the conglomerate he built into a $1 trillion powerhouse.

Buffett confirmed that Greg Abel, Berkshire’s Vice Chairman of Non-Insurance Operations and long-time heir apparent, will assume the CEO role — pending unanimous approval by the board of directors.

"The time has arrived when Greg should become the Chief Executive Officer of the company at year-end," Buffett stated, adding that he intended to “spring that on the directors effectively and give that as my recommendation.”

Though stepping down as CEO, Buffett noted he will remain at Berkshire in an advisory role, but emphasized that “the final word would be what Greg decided.”

A Legacy of Outperformance Amid Changing Times

Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has delivered returns that doubled the S&P 500 average over decades, earning him the nickname “The Oracle of Omaha.” The firm is known for its disciplined value investing strategy, long-term outlook, and massive holdings in blue-chip companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express.

As of 2025, Berkshire sits on cash reserves nearing $348 billion, a war chest that reflects both Buffett’s cautious outlook on markets and readiness to seize major opportunities.

Yet despite Berkshire’s strong track record, the modern investment landscape is shifting — and not entirely in Buffett’s favor.

Bitcoin’s price performance appears in magenta and has outperformed Berkshire Hathaway’s stock in percentage gains. Source: TradingView

Bitcoin and Gold Outshine Traditional Stocks

Although Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A stock now trades above $809,000 per share and the company boasts a market cap exceeding $1 trillion, its performance has lagged behind emerging assets like Bitcoin and gold in recent years.

lity, inflation, and geopolitical risk.

Buffett, a vocal critic of cryptocurrencies, has often dismissed Bitcoin as a speculative asset, going so far as to call it “rat poison squared.” Alongside his late business partner Charlie Munger, Buffett has repeatedly stated that Bitcoin has “no intrinsic value” and should not be considered a legitimate investment.

Ironically, the decentralized, supply-limited nature of Bitcoin — qualities that have attracted institutional and retail investors alike — have helped it outperform many of the legacy assets Berkshire traditionally favors.

Looking Ahead

Buffett’s departure marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter for Berkshire Hathaway. Greg Abel, known for his steady leadership and deep operational knowledge, is expected to carry forward Buffett’s principles while potentially adapting to a rapidly evolving economic environment.

As markets continue to be shaped by technological disruption, monetary instability, and emerging asset classes, Abel’s leadership may determine whether Berkshire can maintain its legendary status — or if it must evolve to compete with the likes of digital assets it once scorned.