Greg Abel will take over as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK.A) at the start of next year, following a unanimous vote by the company’s board.
The decision marks the beginning of a long-anticipated succession, as Warren Buffett prepares to step down after more than 60 years running the conglomerate.
Buffett, 94, will stay on as chairman. CNBC reported that most board members were unaware of Buffett’s plan before he announced it to shareholders over the weekend.
The billionaire said on Saturday that the board would meet the following day to confirm the leadership change.
Abel, who has overseen Berkshire’s non-insurance operations since 2018, has long been seen as the frontrunner to succeed Buffett.