Berkshire Hathaway is primarily owned and controlled by Warren Buffett, who is the chairman and CEO of the company. Buffett personally owns 38.4% of the Class A voting shares, which represents a 15.1% overall economic interest in Berkshire Hathaway
. He took control of the company in 1965 and has since transformed it into one of the world's largest and most valuable conglomerates
. Other significant shareholders include Susan Buffett (Warren Buffett's late wife's foundation and family interests), Ronald L. Olson (a board member), and major institutional investors such as Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street
. Greg Abel currently oversees most of the company's investments and has been named as Buffett's successor as CEO
. In summary:
- Warren Buffett: Largest individual shareholder and chairman/CEO, owning 38.4% of Class A voting shares
- Susan Buffett: Significant individual shareholder and board member
- Ronald L. Olson: Board member and shareholder
- Institutional investors: Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street among top shareholders
- Greg Abel: COO and designated successor to Buffett as CEO
Thus, Warren Buffett is the principal owner and leader of Berkshire Hathaway.
