Greg Abel has long been recognized as the executive heir apparent to Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, and his financial profile reflects the weight of that responsibility. As of 2025, Abel, now 59 years old, has an estimated net worth of approximately $500 million, primarily earned through decades of executive leadership and high-level compensation. With his deep experience in energy, corporate governance, and long-standing trust from Buffett himself, Abel is positioned to carry forward one of the most iconic legacies in American business.
Executive Journey: From Energy to Empire
Greg Abel’s professional rise is grounded in a strategic and steady climb within Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE). Starting in the late 1990s, he took on increasingly influential roles, serving as President of BHE from 1998 to 2018 and CEO from 2008 to 2018. Under his leadership, BHE expanded its holdings significantly, building a broad portfolio that includes companies such as MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp, AltaLink, NV Energy, and HomeServices of America. These businesses span renewable energy, electric utilities, gas pipelines, and real estate services, positioning BHE as a central pillar of Berkshire’s long-term strategy.
Abel’s reputation grew within the company and the wider corporate world. He was known not only for operational excellence but for building sustainable infrastructure. His leadership saw BHE make large-scale investments in wind and solar power, reflecting a commitment to long-term value creation and environmental responsibility—values closely aligned with Berkshire’s culture.
Berkshire Hathaway and the Buffett Succession Plan
In 2018, Abel was named Vice Chairman of Non-Insurance Operations at Berkshire Hathaway, placing him in charge of a massive portfolio of subsidiary businesses, including BNSF Railway, Duracell, Dairy Queen, and See’s Candies. Though he doesn’t receive stock options, Abel earns substantial compensation through salary and bonuses. His base salary stands at $16 million, with bonuses ranging from $2 million to $3 million annually, according to reports from Reuters and Salary.com.
Buffett himself confirmed in 2021 what many had speculated for years: Greg Abel is the named successor to Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. At the annual shareholder meeting, Buffett stated clearly, “If something were to happen to me tonight, it would be Greg who’d take over tomorrow morning.”
This endorsement came with additional confirmation from Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, who noted Abel’s deep understanding of Berkshire’s decentralized culture. Importantly, Buffett and Munger emphasized that Abel shares their long-term orientation, hands-off management philosophy, and capital discipline—traits considered essential to maintaining Berkshire’s identity.
Beyond Berkshire: Other Roles and Influence
Abel’s influence extends far beyond Berkshire. He holds several key board positions, including at The Kraft Heinz Company, AEGIS Insurance Services Inc., AEGIS London, and the Hockey Canada Foundation. He also serves as Director and Vice Chairman of Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited. These roles reflect his standing in both the corporate and philanthropic worlds.
Unlike many high-profile executives, Abel avoids the spotlight. But those who know him describe him as generous, loyal, and discreet. In 2019, The Globe and Mail reported that Abel often helps employees quietly, particularly those dealing with serious medical or personal challenges.
Personal Life and Family
Abel was born in Canada and retains close ties to his home country. Now an American citizen, he resides in the U.S. with his second wife, with whom he is raising a young son. He also has three grown children from his previous marriage. While he’s rarely seen in celebrity media or public events, friends and colleagues note his grounded personality and commitment to both family and community.
Despite his vast wealth and executive stature, Abel prefers privacy over flamboyance. He’s known to live well but not extravagantly and reportedly prioritizes philanthropy over public recognition.
Net Worth and Financial Standing in 2025
Greg Abel’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million. Though Berkshire doesn’t issue stock options to its top executives, Abel’s wealth stems from years of high base salaries, performance bonuses, and equity holdings in personal investments and prior ventures. Given his decades-long tenure in one of the world’s largest companies and the trust of Warren Buffett himself, this estimate is consistent with his role and the compensation that comes with it.
While not as wealthy as Buffett or Munger, Abel ranks among the top echelons of corporate leadership in terms of influence and income. He’s built his fortune steadily, guided by the same disciplined, long-term thinking that defines the Berkshire ethos.
The Road Ahead: Preparing for the Top Role
Though Buffett has made no moves to retire officially, the handoff to Abel feels increasingly inevitable. As Buffett nears 95, shareholders, board members, and analysts alike view Abel as the safest and most capable set of hands to guide the conglomerate’s future.
Abel’s deep knowledge of every corner of the company—from energy to railroads to consumer goods—makes him uniquely suited for the role. If and when the transition comes, Berkshire Hathaway is expected to maintain continuity, with Abel leading operations and Ted Weschler and Todd Combs continuing to oversee investment strategy.