Warren Buffett exits Berkshire Hathaway as his son Howard becomes chairman
Warren Buffett, the investing legend that turned Berkshire Hathaway into an massive conglomerate, has officially stepped aside as chairman after leaving as CEO at the beginning of the year.

Warren Buffett, the 96‑year‑old investing legend who built Berkshire Hathaway into a massive conglomerate, announced on Friday that he is stepping down from the chairman’s seat. The change follows his departure from the chief executive role earlier this year, and he will now carry the title of chairman emeritus effective immediately.
Chairman Transition
Berkshire Hathaway confirmed that Howard Buffett, the son of Warren Buffett, will assume the chairman position. The company’s filing listed the senior Buffett’s new emeritus status and Howard’s elevation as occurring without delay, signaling a seamless handoff at the top of the board.
Berkshire Hathaway
Under Warren Buffett’s direction, Berkshire Hathaway grew from a modest textile operation into a diversified holding company with a market presence measured in hundreds of billions of dollars. His investment approach and long‑term perspective have been credited with shaping the firm’s reputation as a leading player across multiple industries.
Howard Becomes Chairman
The appointment of Howard Buffett places a second generation of the Buffett family at the helm of the board. As the son of the iconic investor, Howard’s new role suggests continuity of the values and strategic outlook that have defined Berkshire’s success, though observers will watch how he steers the conglomerate amid evolving market conditions.
Marketwatch Coverage
The story was reported by Steven Goldstein, a London‑based journalist responsible for MarketWatch’s coverage of financial markets in Europe, with a focus on global macro and commodities. Goldstein previously served as MarketWatch’s Washington bureau chief, overseeing economic, political and regulatory reporting. He can be followed on Twitter at @MKTWgoldstein.
Factset Data
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Source: marketwatch.com · 2026-09-18