Greg Abel

Early Life & Education

Gregory Edward Abel was born on June 1, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in a modest household — his father worked for a company that manufactured firefighting equipment, while his mother was a homemaker and part-time legal secretary. From an early age, Abel demonstrated entrepreneurial instincts, famously collecting empty soda bottles to sell for five cents each, an experience he has recalled as his first lesson in business initiative and value creation.

Abel attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1984. His education in accounting provided a strong foundation in financial analysis, auditing, and corporate governance — skills that would prove essential throughout his career in the energy industry and ultimately at Berkshire Hathaway. Abel is also a certified public accountant (CPA) licensed through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), reflecting his commitment to financial rigor and professional standards.

Career Journey

Greg Abel's career path from a young accountant in Edmonton to the CEO of one of the world's most valuable and respected companies is a story of steady progression, disciplined execution, and the ability to earn the trust of one of the most demanding investors in history, Warren Buffett.

• Consultant, PricewaterhouseCoopers (1984–early 1990s) — Began his career at the prestigious accounting and consulting firm, first in Edmonton and later in the San Francisco office
• Senior Executive, CalEnergy (1992–1999) — Joined the energy company in the early 1990s and rose rapidly through the ranks. Played a key role in the company's growth through acquisitions and project development
• President, MidAmerican Energy Holdings (1999–2008) — When CalEnergy was renamed MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, Abel was named president, overseeing the company's expansion into one of the largest energy companies in the United States
• CEO, MidAmerican Energy Holdings / Berkshire Hathaway Energy (2008–2018) — Led the energy division as it grew into a diversified energy powerhouse with operations across electric utilities, natural gas, and renewable energy
• Vice Chairman, Non-Insurance Operations, Berkshire Hathaway (2018–2025) — Promoted to oversee all of Berkshire Hathaway's non-insurance businesses, one of two vice chairs reporting directly to Buffett
• CEO, Berkshire Hathaway (2026–Present) — Succeeded Warren Buffett as CEO on January 1, 2026, ending Buffett's six decades of leadership

Building Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Greg Abel's tenure at what would become Berkshire Hathaway Energy represents one of the most impressive records of value creation in the energy sector. When Abel joined CalEnergy in the early 1990s, it was a relatively small energy company. Through a combination of strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and massive investment in infrastructure and renewable energy, Abel transformed the company into one of the largest and most respected energy enterprises in North America.

Under Abel's leadership, the energy division — which was renamed Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2014 — grew to encompass multiple electric utility companies serving customers across the western and midwestern United States, as well as major natural gas pipeline systems and one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the country. The company invested billions of dollars in wind and solar energy, becoming one of the largest owners of wind generation capacity in the United States.

Abel's approach to the energy business reflected the Berkshire Hathaway philosophy of long-term investment and operational discipline. He maintained a focus on capital efficiency, customer service, and regulatory relationships while aggressively investing in the infrastructure needed to transition toward cleaner energy sources. His track record at Berkshire Hathaway Energy demonstrated the rare ability to build and operate large, complex businesses while maintaining the financial discipline and ethical standards that Buffett demanded.

Succession & Leadership of Berkshire Hathaway

The question of who would succeed Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway was one of the most watched succession stories in the history of corporate America. In May 2021, Buffett publicly confirmed that Greg Abel was his designated successor, ending years of speculation. In 2018, Abel had been promoted to vice chairman for non-insurance operations, a role that put him in charge of the vast majority of Berkshire Hathaway's operating businesses outside of insurance — including BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Precision Castparts, and dozens of other subsidiaries.

On January 1, 2026, Greg Abel officially became the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, succeeding Warren Buffett after the legendary investor announced his retirement in late 2025. The transition marked the end of an era — Buffett had led Berkshire Hathaway for approximately six decades, transforming it from a struggling textile company into a conglomerate with a market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion.

Abel's appointment was widely anticipated and well-received by investors and the business community. His deep operational experience, proven track record of capital allocation, and close working relationship with Buffett gave the market confidence that Berkshire Hathaway's unique culture and investment philosophy would be preserved under his leadership.

Key Achievements & Milestones

• Succeeded Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in January 2026
• Transformed CalEnergy into Berkshire Hathaway Energy, one of the largest energy companies in North America
• Built one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the United States
• Oversaw billions of dollars in infrastructure investment across electric utilities and natural gas pipelines
• Served as vice chairman of non-insurance operations, managing Berkshire Hathaway's vast portfolio of operating companies
• Recognized by the Horatio Alger Association for his rise from modest beginnings to corporate leadership
• Maintained the financial discipline and ethical standards that define Berkshire Hathaway's culture

Leadership Philosophy

Greg Abel's leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by his decades-long association with Warren Buffett and the distinctive culture of Berkshire Hathaway. He is known for his emphasis on decentralized management, long-term thinking, and capital allocation discipline — the core principles that have made Berkshire Hathaway one of the most successful conglomerates in history.

Abel believes in empowering the managers of Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiary companies to run their businesses with significant autonomy, intervening only when necessary to ensure alignment with the company's overall strategic direction and ethical standards. This approach reflects Buffett's philosophy that the best managers are those who operate as if they own 100 percent of their businesses.

He is also known for his intense work ethic and hands-on operational knowledge. Despite overseeing dozens of businesses across diverse industries, Abel is reputed to have a detailed understanding of the operations, competitive dynamics, and financial performance of each of Berkshire Hathaway's major subsidiaries. His ability to master operational details while maintaining strategic perspective has been cited as one of the key qualities that led Buffett to choose him as his successor.

Abel has maintained a notably low public profile throughout his career, preferring to let results speak for themselves rather than seeking media attention. This understated approach aligns with the Berkshire Hathaway tradition of substance over style and reflects Abel's genuine character as a focused, disciplined executive who prioritizes execution over self-promotion.

Industry Impact

Greg Abel's impact on the energy industry has been significant. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway Energy became a model for how traditional utility companies could transition toward renewable energy while maintaining financial discipline and reliable service. The company's massive investments in wind and solar generation demonstrated that the energy transition could be economically attractive, not just environmentally necessary.

As CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Abel's influence extends across virtually every sector of the economy, given the company's vast portfolio of businesses spanning insurance, energy, railroads, manufacturing, retail, and services. His approach to leading this conglomerate will be closely watched by business leaders, investors, and academics as a test of whether the Berkshire Hathaway model can thrive beyond the Buffett era.

Awards & Recognition

• Recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, recognizing personal initiative and perseverance in overcoming adversity
• Chosen by Warren Buffett as his successor to lead Berkshire Hathaway
• Recognized as one of the most important business leaders in the energy sector
• AICPA Certified Public Accountant

Personal Life

Greg Abel maintains a relatively private personal life. He is a Canadian citizen who has lived and worked in the United States for most of his career. Abel's upbringing in Edmonton, Alberta, gave him a grounded, practical perspective that colleagues say has remained unchanged despite his rise to the helm of one of the world's most valuable companies. He is known for his approachability, humility, and genuine engagement with the people at all levels of the organizations he leads.

Vision for the Future

As the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Greg Abel faces the formidable challenge of maintaining the company's exceptional track record while eventually putting his own mark on the organization. He has signaled continuity with the core principles that have defined Berkshire Hathaway — decentralized management, long-term thinking, disciplined capital allocation, and a commitment to integrity — while recognizing that the company must continue to adapt to changing market conditions and opportunities.

Abel has indicated that he will continue Berkshire Hathaway's tradition of seeking acquisitions of high-quality businesses at reasonable prices, and that he will maintain the company's fortress-like balance sheet with significant cash reserves. He has also expressed interest in continuing to invest in energy infrastructure and the transition to renewable energy, an area where his personal expertise is deepest.

The business world is watching closely to see how Abel navigates the transition from the Buffett era. His challenge is unique: to maintain the trust of shareholders, managers, and employees who have been loyal to Buffett's vision while demonstrating that Berkshire Hathaway's best days are not behind it. His track record of operational excellence, financial discipline, and quiet competence suggests that he is well prepared for this responsibility.