Who Is Greg Abel? Berkshire’s Next CEO

Greg Abel: The Future CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

Who Is Greg Abel?

Greg Abel is a Canadian-American businessman widely recognized as the heir apparent to Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, one of the most influential conglomerates in the world. Known for his low-key demeanor and sharp managerial skills, Abel has been groomed for years to eventually take the reins from Buffett—a transition that signals continuity for the company’s famously disciplined investment strategy.

Education and Early Career

Abel was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting from the University of Alberta in 1984. Early in his career, he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and CalEnergy, where he began building a reputation for financial and operational excellence.

It was through CalEnergy's acquisition by MidAmerican Energy that Abel’s career trajectory took a dramatic turn. MidAmerican would later become part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, setting the stage for his long association with Buffett.

How Did Greg Abel Make His Money?

Greg Abel made his wealth by steadily climbing the corporate ladder within Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE), the energy subsidiary of Buffett’s empire. He joined MidAmerican Energy (later rebranded as BHE) in 1992 and became its CEO in 2008. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly in renewable energy and infrastructure, turning into a major player in the utility sector.

Abel’s business acumen and success at BHE caught Buffett’s attention. In 2018, he was appointed Vice Chairman for Non-Insurance Operations at Berkshire Hathaway essentially putting him in charge of all the company’s businesses outside of its insurance operations. This move signaled to markets and insiders that Abel was the chosen successor.

How Long Has Greg Abel Been With Berkshire Hathaway?

Greg Abel has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 2000, when the company acquired MidAmerican Energy. That makes over two decades of service during which time Abel has earned Buffett’s trust and respect for his no-nonsense leadership and steady execution.

Buffett confirmed in 2021 that Abel would succeed him as CEO, stating, “The directors are in agreement that if something were to happen to me tonight, it would be Greg who’d take over tomorrow morning.”

Greg Abel’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Greg Abel’s estimated net worth is over $500 million, largely due to his holdings in Berkshire Hathaway stock. In 2022, he purchased approximately $68 million worth of Berkshire Class A shares from the estate of a long-time executive—solidifying both his financial and symbolic commitment to the company.

A Quiet Powerhouse

While Abel avoids the spotlight that Buffett often commands, he’s widely viewed as a strategic thinker with deep operational experience. As the future leader of Berkshire Hathaway, his focus on long-term growth, decentralized management, and value investing ensures that Buffett’s legacy will continue in capable hands.