Greg Abel is set to succeed Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026, inheriting a $1.1 trillion empire and a $380 billion cash reserve. Buffett formally requested Abel's appointment at the May 3, 2025, meeting. Abel, who has been groomed for this role since 2021, is a trained accountant, suggesting a potentially more pragmatic and precise leadership style compared to Buffett's legendary, analogy-driven approach. His background includes 20 years overseeing Berkshire's insurance businesses.