Greg Abel
Gregory Edward Abel is a Canadian-American businessman who serves as the president and chief executive officer of the multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, a position he assumed in January 2026. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Abel succeeded legendary investor Warren Buffett, who retired at the end of 2025, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the world's largest and most influential holding companies. His appointment is of considerable interest to Canadian business observers, as he is one of the few Canadian-born executives to lead a major U.S. corporation of this scale. Abel's career path from a chartered accountant in Alberta to the helm of Berkshire Hathaway exemplifies a trajectory built on operational expertise and a deep understanding of value investing principles.
Early Life and Education
Gregory Edward Abel was born on June 1, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta. His father was employed by a manufacturer of firefighting equipment, and his mother worked as a homemaker and part-time legal secretary. During his youth, Abel undertook various jobs to earn money, including distributing flyers, returning glass bottles for deposit, and working as a labourer for a forest products company. He is the nephew of Sid Abel, a former professional hockey player who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Abel pursued his post-secondary education at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1984 with a bachelor of commerce degree in accounting. Following his graduation, he qualified as a chartered professional accountant, beginning his career in the Edmonton office of the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Career at CalEnergy and Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Abel's early career took a decisive turn when he transferred to the San Francisco office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, where one of his major clients was CalEnergy, a geothermal power producer. In 1992, he left public accounting to join CalEnergy directly. The company expanded significantly in 1999 by acquiring the utility MidAmerican Energy and subsequently adopting the MidAmerican name. Later that same year, Berkshire Hathaway acquired a controlling interest in the company, bringing it into Warren Buffett's corporate fold. Abel ascended through the ranks of the energy business, demonstrating strong operational management, and was appointed its chief executive officer in 2008. Under his leadership, the company was rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2014, reflecting its core position within the Berkshire conglomerate. Abel's tenure was marked by strategic growth and a focus on renewable energy assets, including wind, solar, and geothermal power generation. His handling of complex transactions, such as CalEnergy's takeover of a British utility in the 1990s, was later cited as an early indicator of his capabilities to eventually lead the broader Berkshire organization.
Ascension to Berkshire Hathaway Leadership
In January 2018, Abel's role expanded dramatically when he was named a vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, overseeing all non-insurance operations, and was appointed to the company's board of directors. This move was widely interpreted as positioning him as a leading candidate to eventually succeed Warren Buffett. During a televised interview in May 2021, Buffett publicly confirmed that Abel was the chosen successor to become CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. The formal transition was announced in May 2025, with Buffett stating the time had arrived for Abel to become chief executive officer at the end of that year. Media analyses suggested Abel was selected due to his strong work ethic, strategic acumen, commitment to value investing, and perceived ability to preserve Berkshire's unique corporate culture. Abel had no advance warning of the retirement announcement timing, which was known only to Buffett's immediate family. He officially assumed the CEO role in January 2026 and presided over his first Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting as CEO in May 2026.
Personal Investments and Citizenship
Greg Abel has made several notable personal investments in Berkshire Hathaway stock, aligning his financial interests with those of the company's shareholders. In June 2022, he sold his 1% ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway Energy for $870 million. Prior to that transaction, regulatory filings showed he held five Class A shares and 2,363 Class B shares. On June 25, 2026, Abel was sworn in as a citizen of the United States in a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa. He maintains a residence in Iowa and, while protective of his private life, is known to be involved in local community activities, particularly supporting youth sports organizations.
Board Memberships and Affiliations
Beyond his executive duties, Abel holds or has held positions on the boards of several corporate and philanthropic organizations. His directorships reflect a blend of corporate governance and community engagement. He has served as a director for Kraft Heinz, a major Berkshire Hathaway holding, and for insurance entities AEGIS Limited and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited. Abel is also the vice chairman of the Edison Electric Institute, the leading association for U.S. investor-owned electric companies. His philanthropic and community board involvement includes the Hockey Canada Foundation, the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Football Coaches Foundation. He has previously served on the board of trustees for both Duke University and Drake University, contributing to higher education governance.
Greg Abel's major board and organizational roles include serving as vice chairman of the Edison Electric Institute. He is also a director of AEGIS Limited, Kraft Heinz, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, the Hockey Canada Foundation, the Mid-Iowa Council Boy Scouts of America, and the American Football Coaches Foundation. He has served on the board of trustees at Duke University and Drake University. These roles reflect his extensive involvement in business, industry, and community organizations.
- Vice Chairman, Edison Electric Institute
- Director, Kraft Heinz Company
- Director, AEGIS Limited
- Director, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited
- Board Member, Hockey Canada Foundation
- Board Member, Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
- Board Member, American Football Coaches Foundation
- Former Trustee, Duke University
- Former Trustee, Drake University
Recognition and Personal Life
In recognition of his journey from modest beginnings to corporate leadership, Greg Abel was awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 2018. This honour is given to individuals who have overcome adversity to achieve success and who are committed to supporting educational opportunities for others. Abel has been married twice. He has three adult children from his first marriage and a son with his current wife, Andrea Abel. He maintains a characteristically low public profile regarding his family life, focusing public commentary on business matters. His story from Edmonton to Omaha serves as a notable example in Canadian business circles of how operational expertise and a steadfast adherence to core investment principles can lead to the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Questions about Greg Abel
Where is Greg Abel from?
Greg Abel was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on June 1, 1962. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He began his career as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers in its Edmonton office. He later moved to the United States and was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in Des Moines, Iowa on June 25, 2026.
How did Greg Abel become CEO of Berkshire Hathaway?
Greg Abel rose through the ranks of Berkshire Hathaway's energy division, becoming CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2008. His operational success led to his appointment as a vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, overseeing non-insurance businesses. In May 2021, Warren Buffett publicly confirmed Abel as his successor. The formal announcement came in May 2025, with Abel succeeding Buffett as CEO upon his retirement at the end of that year, taking the helm in January 2026.
What is Greg Abel's net worth?
While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, significant transactions provide insight into his wealth. In June 2022, he sold his 1% stake in Berkshire Hathaway Energy for $870 million. In October 2022, he purchased $68 million worth of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock. His compensation as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, along with his substantial existing shareholdings, places him among the wealthiest business executives.
Is Greg Abel related to Sid Abel?
Yes, Greg Abel is the nephew of Sid Abel. Sid Abel was a professional hockey player. This family connection is part of Greg Abel's early life and background. Greg Abel was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His uncle's career in professional sports is a noted detail about his family history. This relationship is documented in biographical sources about his life.
Is Greg Abel a U.S. citizen?
Yes, Greg Abel is a United States citizen. He officially became a citizen when he was sworn in on June 25, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. This event occurred after his appointment as the chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway. Abel, who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, is also a Canadian by birth. He currently lives in the state of Iowa. His citizenship status is a matter of public record.
What awards has Greg Abel won?
Greg Abel has received the Horatio Alger award. He was given this honour in the year 2018. This award recognizes individuals who have succeeded despite adversity and who are committed to philanthropy. The award is a significant recognition of his personal and professional achievements. It is the only specific award mentioned in his biographical notes. This fact is part of the public record of his accomplishments.
Sources and further reading
- Greg Abel (Wikipedia)
- Who is Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway's new CEO? (financialpost.com)
- Greg Abel | Executive Profile and Career (executive-moves.com)
Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.
