- 62-year-old Canadian executive confirmed as Buffett’s 2021 successor
- Oversees $150B+ portfolio including BNSF Railroad and energy subsidiaries
- Faces unprecedented challenge maintaining Berkshire’s market-beating legacy
When Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO in 2025, Greg Abel inherits one of corporate America’s most complex leadership transitions. The Edmonton-born executive’s journey from redeeming soda bottles to overseeing 400,000 employees reveals why Buffett calls him the perfect cultural fit.
Abel’s Midwest work ethic became apparent during his tenure at Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Under his 12-year leadership, the Des Moines-based unit grew into a renewable energy powerhouse, demonstrating his ability to balance operational expertise with long-term strategic vision - precisely the skills Berkshire needs as climate regulations reshape utility markets.
Three critical challenges await Abel:
- Maintaining 20%+ annual returns despite Berkshire’s $900B market cap
- Preserving the unique autonomy given to subsidiary CEOs
- Navigating succession planning for aging leadership teams
Industry analysts note Abel’s energy sector experience positions him well for infrastructure investments. His 2023 push to acquire Dominion Energy’s LNG assets demonstrated Buffett-like timing, securing assets at 35% below pre-pandemic valuations.
Regional case study: Abel’s hands-off approach with Brooks Running exemplifies Berkshire’s culture. When the Seattle-based shoe company faced supply chain crises, Abel approved emergency freight budgets within hours but declined to micromanage solutions - a balance subsidiary CEOs say defines his leadership style.
Despite the challenges, Abel’s track record suggests continuity. His $18B acquisition of Pilot Travel Centers in 2023 and restructuring of BNSF’s intermodal network both delivered 22%+ IRR, proving he can move Berkshire’s needle even at massive scale.