New York: 23-11-2025] In a move that caps one of the most storied careers in American business, Warren Buffett announced he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, ending a 60-year reign that transformed a struggling textile firm into a $1.2 trillion conglomerate. The 95 year old “Oracle of Omaha” shared the news in a poignant farewell letter to shareholders released November 10, 2025, vowing to “go quiet” by ceasing his iconic annual reports and lengthy shareholder meeting talks. Buffett will remain chairman, focusing on philanthropy, including a fresh $2.7 billion stock donation to family foundations. His successor, longtime deputy Greg Abel, 62, assumes the helm January 1, 2026, amid a record $348 billion cash pile signaling Buffett’s cautious market outlook.
The announcement, first hinted at Berkshire’s May 3, 2025, shareholder meeting, triggered a 12% stock dip but sparked an outpouring of tributes from global titans, celebrating Buffett’s value investing wisdom, folksy integrity, and trillion dollar impact. As Berkshire’s market cap highest in the entire nations, reactions emphasizes Buffett’s enduring influence beyond Wall Street.
Buffett’s Farewell: A Lifetime of Wisdom in One Letter
In his final CEO missive, a tradition since 1965, Buffett reflected on building Berkshire from a $19 per share buyout in 1965 to today’s behemoth, boasting holdings like Apple, Coca Cola, Geico, and BNSF Railway. He credited partner Charlie Munger (who passed in 2023 at 99) as his “best pal for 64 years”, praising Munger’s role in ditching textiles for insurance and diversification. Buffett warned against “lookat-me rich” CEOs chasing dynasties, critiqued skyrocketing executive pay, a veiled nod to Elon Musk’s $1T Tesla package, and urged boards to act swiftly on executive health declines.
Occasionally, a wonderful and loyal CEO will succumb to dementia, he wrote, admitting past lapses. Optimistic about Abel, whom he surprised with the news, Buffett quipped, “Greg doesn’t know anything about this that I’m telling you right now”, evoking laughter at the May meeting. Shares rebounded 4% post letter, buoyed by his $149 Billion personal stake pledge to charity.
Global Tributes: Business Icons Honor the Oracle
Buffett’s exit elicited heartfelt responses, blending admiration for his humility with reflections on his anti-flashy ethos, a stark contrast to today’s billionaire spectacle.
Remarks of Famous Businessman & Personality:
Bill Gates (Microsoft Co-Founder): “One of the greatest CEOs ever, He’s built an extraordinary company with wisdom, integrity, and a phenomenal sense of humor. Warren hasn’t been satisfied with setting an example as a businessman, he’s changed the world through philanthropy. Gates, Buffett’s 30 year friend and Giving Pledge co-creator, plans to donate “virtually all” his wealth in 20 years, crediting Buffett’s influence.
Tim Cook (Apple CEO): “There’s never been someone like Warren. It’s been one of the great privileges of my life to know him”. Cook’s X post highlighted Buffett’s $200B+ Apple stake as a testament to mutual respect.
Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks Owner): “The GOAT, Warren’s lessons on patience and value will outlive us all”. Cuban, a Shark Tank star, echoed Buffett’s anti hype vibe amid crypto volatility.
Elon Musk (Tesla/SpaceX CEO): No direct response, but Buffett’s letter shaded mega pay like Musk’s $1T package, “Very wealthy CEOs hate when others get even richer”. Past praise, Buffett called Musk “Brilliant” for “solving the impossible”, though Munger quipped they prefer “easy jobs” without “that much failure”.
Susan Olson (Berkshire Board Member): “Warren has lived a life full of surprises, I am very anxious to see Warren become the Charlie Munger for Greg Abel”
Other voices praising for Warren: Jeff Pollak, a shareholder, contrasted Buffett’s giving with “Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos”, saying, “He knows how to give back”. NPR noted Buffett’s “Beyond Wall Street” legacy, from tariffs critiques to economic optimism, “I would not get discouraged”.
Legacy and Challenges: What Comes Next for Berkshire?
Buffett’s tenure yielded 20%+ annual returns, dwarfing the S&P 500, via “buy and hold” bets on quality like his 2008 BYD EV stake, a win despite skipping Tesla. He leaves Abel a fortress, $348 Billion cash (up from $334 Bilion), no debt, and diversified ops from Dairy Queen to NetJets. Yet, challenges loom, overvalued markets, succession scrutiny, and deploying that hoard without overpaying.
As Buffett signs off with Thanksgiving notes and charity ramps, his ethos endures, “Trade should not be a weapon”, he told May attendees on Trump tariffs. From Omaha’s modest home (bought 1958 for $31K) to global icon, Buffett’s quiet exit belies a roar of admiration. Abel inherits not just keys, but a blueprint for enduring capitalism.
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