Warren Buffett ended his multi-decade run as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK)(NYSE:BRK) at the end of 2025. Things will look different for the conglomerate in 2026, including how much the CEO is paid.
Berkshire Hathaway New CEO Gets Pay Raise
New CEO Greg Abel, who takes over from Buffett after serving in leadership roles for Berkshire's energy and non-insurance businesses, has big shoes to fill.
Replacing the legendary investor known to many as the "Oracle of Omaha" will be no easy task with investors expecting more strong runs for the investing powerhouse’s stock.
Abel, in his new role, will be compensated significantly more than Buffett was as the company's CEO. Berkshire Hathaway recently announced in a filing that Abel will receive a base salary of $25 million.
Buffett was previously paid a base salary of $100,000 as Berkshire CEO. This means Abel will now makes 250 times more than the value-investing legend in the role as CEO.
Buffett was also paid $305,111 in 2024 for personal and home security costs, which were paid by the company.
Unlike many companies that pay stock options and stock compensation, Berkshire Hathaway pays only a salary and other costs.
Abel previously made $21 million as the Vice Chairman of Berkshire’s non-insurance operations in 2024. His 2025 compensation has not been announced.
The new CEO also owns shares in the company. A 2025 filing showed Abel owning 228 Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares and 2,363 Class B shares.
Buffett owned 206,359 Class A shares and 951 Class B shares as of March 5, 2025. This represented 37.9% of Class A shares at the time.
Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 and served in the role of CEO and Chairman for many decades after that. The former CEO is currently the 10th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $150 billion, according to Bloomberg. Buffett has pledged to give away the majority of his fortune.
Buffett Refused High Compensation, Salary Raises
Buffett received a salary of $100,000 per year for many decades, refusing to be highly compensated or receive raises. The legendary investor chose instead to show his dedication to the company and shareholders.
"Due to Mr. Buffett's desire that his compensation remain unchanged, the Committee has not proposed an increase in Mr. Buffett's compensation since the Committee was created in 2004," a Berkshire Hathaway filing reads.
The filing said Buffett's annual compensation has been $100,000 for more than 40 years with no plans to increase the amount in the future.
"The Committee has established a policy that neither the profitability of Berkshire nor the market value of its stock are to be considered in the compensation of any executive officer."
While Buffett's home and personal security are paid for by Berkshire Hathaway, the billionaire didn't have a company car or corporate-owned aircraft for personal use.
A previous filing said that Buffett even reimburses Berkshire Hathaway at the end of each year for postage and delivery fees that he made during the year that were for personal use and not business related.
Known for his frugal lifestyle, Buffett has lived in the same home for decades.
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