Greg Abel presided over the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting on May 2, 2026, marking the first time Warren Buffett was not on stage [1].
The transition marks a pivotal shift in leadership for one of the world's largest conglomerates. As Buffett reduces his public role, the market is closely monitoring Abel's ability to maintain the company's investment philosophy and operational stability.
The morning session began around 7 a.m. Central Time [2] at the CHI Health Center arena in downtown Omaha, Nebraska [3]. The event was streamed live to thousands of investors who gathered to hear the new CEO discuss the current investment environment and the company's strategic direction [1], [4].
During the proceedings, the company presented its financial results for the start of the year. Berkshire Hathaway reported that its first-quarter profit more than doubled compared with the prior year [5]. This growth comes as Abel steps into the role of CEO, tasked with managing a diverse portfolio of businesses and massive cash reserves.
Abel used the platform to introduce himself as the new leader and address the company's trajectory [4]. While the meeting followed the traditional format of the "Woodstock for Capitalists," the absence of Buffett from the stage signaled a formal change in the public face of the organization [1], [6].
Shareholders used the session to inquire about the company's outlook on the economy and its specific investment holdings. The meeting served as both a financial report and a public audition for Abel's leadership style, one that must balance the legacy of his predecessor with the demands of a modern global economy [4], [6].
“the first time Warren Buffett was not on stage”
The absence of Warren Buffett from the stage signifies the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway. By placing Greg Abel at the center of the 2026 meeting, the company is signaling to the global market that its succession plan is fully operational. The report of doubled first-quarter profits provides Abel with a strong financial foundation, reducing immediate pressure and suggesting that the company's core operations remain resilient despite the change in leadership.
