Berkshire Hathaway was led by Warren Buffett as chairman and CEO for decades, becoming a major non-technology giant by market value.
Buffett began buying Berkshire Hathaway shares in the 1960s and eventually transformed the struggling textile manufacturer into a diversified holding company. Its businesses and investments came to include insurance, railroads, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and large portfolios of publicly traded stocks.
Berkshire’s insurance operations are especially important because premiums provide investable funds known as float. Buffett and his investment partners used that capital while emphasizing disciplined acquisitions, durable businesses, and long holding periods.
Berkshire is often confused with a mutual fund because it owns many investments, but it is a publicly traded corporation with operating subsidiaries. Buffett remained chief executive until Greg Abel succeeded him in 2025, while Buffett continued as chairman, making leadership dates important in current references.