Greg Abel

Gregory Edward Abel was born June 1, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1984 with a bachelor of commerce degree and is an AICPA certified public accountant. His father worked for Levitt-Safety, a supplier of firefighting and environmental equipment, and his mother was a homemaker. Abel has credited his mother with instilling in him discipline and a strong work ethic.

After college, Abel joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Edmonton and later transferred to the firm's San Francisco office. While there, he was recruited by CalEnergy, a geothermal power company and PwC customer, to run its accounting operations. From 1992 to 2008, Abel served the company as a senior executive; in 1999, the company became MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, and he was named president. In 2008, he became CEO, and in 2011, chairman was added to his title.

In 2018, Buffett promoted Abel to vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway, alongside Ajit Jain, overseeing non-insurance operations. Three years later, Buffett publicly identified Abel as his chosen successor. In May 2025, Buffett announced at Berkshire's annual meeting that he would step down as CEO at year-end and recommended the board appoint Abel to the role. The next day, the board voted unanimously to confirm Abel, effective January 1, 2026, while retaining Buffett as chair.

Career History

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): Accountant, Edmonton and San Francisco offices
• CalEnergy: Senior Executive (1992–2008), President (from 1999), CEO (2008–2018)
• MidAmerican Energy Holdings / Berkshire Hathaway Energy: President (1999–2008), CEO (2008–2018), Chairman (2011–2018)
• Berkshire Hathaway: Vice Chair of Non-Insurance Operations (2018–2026), CEO (January 2026–present)

Abel oversaw the expansion of Berkshire Hathaway Energy into one of the largest regulated utility groups in North America before becoming CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in 2026. He is also chair of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. What Greg Abel could bring to CEO of Berkshire Hathaway: Abel brings deep operational expertise developed over two decades at Berkshire, with proven ability to build and scale the energy business, alongside demonstrated discipline in capital allocation. Buffett has praised Abel's sharp business instincts and operational expertise, and Abel's responsibilities span Berkshire's vast collection of businesses, which employ nearly 400,000 people worldwide.